Emma Raducanu has been making headlines in the tennis world since her historic win at the US Open in 2021. The 18-year-old British player stunned everyone with her impressive run at the tournament, becoming the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam title. Her victory not only made her a household name, but also raised expectations for her future in the sport.
Under the guidance of her coach Mark Petchey, Raducanu’s career was on a steady rise. Petchey, a former British player himself, had been coaching Raducanu since she was 11 years old. With his experience and knowledge, he helped her reach new heights in her game. However, due to his broadcasting commitments, Petchey had to step down as Raducanu’s coach.
This left Raducanu in need of a new coach who could continue the momentum and help her build on her success. After all, her maiden and only Grand Slam win had set the bar high for her future performances. Luckily for Raducanu, she found the perfect match in Francisco Roig.
Roig, a former Spanish player, has been coaching some of the biggest names in tennis, including Rafael Nadal. His impressive resume and success in the sport made him a top choice for Raducanu’s new coach. But there’s more to Roig than just his coaching skills. Let’s take a closer look at the man who is now guiding Raducanu towards a bright future.
First and foremost, Roig’s ethnicity sets him apart from most coaches on the tour. He is of Spanish descent, hailing from Barcelona. With his roots deeply embedded in the Spanish tennis culture, Roig brings a unique perspective to Raducanu’s game. His experience of working with players from different backgrounds and countries gives him an edge in understanding their playing styles and adapting his coaching methods accordingly.
Roig’s relationship with Nadal is also worth mentioning. He has been a part of Nadal’s coaching team for over a decade, and together they have achieved great success. This familiarity and understanding of how to work with top players has certainly benefitted Raducanu as well. With Roig’s guidance, she has been able to make the necessary adjustments and improvements in her game to continue her winning streak.
But it’s not just Nadal that Roig has worked with. He has also coached other top players like Fernando Verdasco, David Ferrer, and Feliciano Lopez. This wealth of experience in coaching players at the highest level has given Roig the skills and knowledge to help Raducanu reach her full potential.
Apart from his coaching credentials, Roig’s personality and coaching style have also been praised by Raducanu. In an interview, she described him as a calm and positive presence, who brings out the best in her. This is evident in her recent performances, where she has shown a strong mental game and a never-give-up attitude, similar to that of her new coach’s most famous player, Rafael Nadal.
With Roig’s guidance, Raducanu has continued her winning streak after the US Open. She reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and the quarterfinals at the US Open in 2021. In 2022, she won her first WTA title at the Nottingham Open and reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open. Her consistent performances have propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 9 in the world.
In addition to his coaching, Roig also plays a significant role in Raducanu’s off-court development. He has been a positive influence on her as a mentor and friend. Together, they have created a strong and supportive team, which has been crucial in Raducanu’s success.
In conclusion, Francisco Roig has been the perfect match for Emma Raducanu. His ethnicity, experience, and coaching style have all been important factors in her continued success. Under his guidance, Raducanu has become a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world. With a promising future ahead of her, there is no doubt that Roig will continue to play a crucial role in Raducanu’s journey to the top.
