Emma Raducanu Joins Forces with Rafael Nadal’s Former Coach Francisco Roig Ahead of US Open

SME News UK. British No. 1 Emma Raducanu has secured a major boost to her coaching team, appointing Spanish coach Francisco Roig on a full-time basis as she ramps up preparations for the US Open.Roig, a long-time member of Rafael Nadal’s coaching entourage, played a key role in guiding the Spanish legend to 22 Grand Slam titles during his tenure from 2005 to 2022, working alongside Nadal’s uncle, Toni. He most recently coached Matteo Berrettini before committing to Raducanu until the end of 2025.The 22-year-old, who begins her campaign at the Cincinnati Open this week, expressed her enthusiasm about the new partnership.> “He’s obviously got a bank of experience and I’m very excited to continue working with him and to have him on my side,” Raducanu said. “It’s going really well. It’s my second day with him here, but I did a few days in London before I came out.”Raducanu has been without a permanent coach in recent years, working informally with former British No. 1 Mark Petchey since March. Under Petchey’s guidance, she enjoyed a strong run of form, reaching the semi-finals at the Citi Open, as well as quarter-final appearances at Queen’s and the Miami Open. However, Petchey was unable to commit to a full-time role, prompting the search for a more permanent appointment.Roig’s first challenge will be guiding Raducanu through the Cincinnati Open, where she has received a first-round bye and will face either British No. 2 Katie Boulter or Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in her opener. The tournament serves as a key stepping stone toward the US Open at Flushing Meadows, where Raducanu famously lifted the trophy in 2021.With Roig’s wealth of experience and Raducanu’s renewed momentum, the partnership sets the stage for an intriguing late-season push on the WTA Tour.