Emma Raducanu has turned to one of Rafael Nadal’s most trusted voices, hiring Francisco Roig as her new coach through the end of the season. The move marks her eighth coaching change, and perhaps her most high-profile appointment.
A new chapter for Raducanu and Petchey: moving beyond the inner circle
Roig served as Nadal’s technical coach for nearly two decades, a stretch that included all 22 of the Spaniard’s Grand Slam victories. His addition signals a shift for Raducanu, who has often leaned on familiar faces from her inner circle. This time, she’s chosen pedigree and elite experience.
Previously guided by Mark Petchey since March, Raducanu found success, but Petchey’s broadcasting duties limited his long-term availability. He acknowledged as much in July, stating the team needed another full-time coach. While Petchey is expected to remain a close confidant, Roig now takes the lead.
Talks between Roig and Team Raducanu began during Wimbledon, with a short trial soon after. Though travel and other commitments delayed his start, the 57-year-old Spaniard joined Raducanu this week in Cincinnati ahead of the season’s final WTA 1000 before the US Open.
Roig brings a proven eye for technical details—an area where Raducanu still seeks refinement. His experience working alongside Toni Nadal and, more recently, Matteo Berrettini, could provide the structure Raducanu needs to evolve her game and stabilize her career trajectory.
Now ranked No. 38, Raducanu is pushing to earn a few key wins in Cincinnati and secure a seeded spot at the US Open. The road ahead is tough—but with a seasoned tactician in her corner, she may have found the right formula to build consistency and confidence.