Emma Raducanu hires Rafael Nadal's former coach

Emma Raducanu has added Rafael Nadal’s former coach Francis Roig to her team on a full-time basis ahead of this month’s US Open.

Emma Raducanu hires Rafael Nadal's former coach Francisco Roig

Emma Raducanu has officially welcomed Francisco Roig, Rafael Nadal’s former coach, to her team as a full-time addition leading up to the US Open. The 22-year-old, who won the US Open in 2021, had been working part-time with British coach Mark Petchey since March but needed a permanent solution after Petchey’s commitments to television limited his availability. Roig's appointment follows a trial period post-Wimbledon and includes a contract effective until the end of 2025. Raducanu aims to enhance her performance and improve her WTA ranking at the upcoming Cincinnati Open. Meanwhile, Serbian star Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to an existing thigh injury, leaving him without any warm-up tournaments before the US Open.

The addition of Francisco Roig to Emma Raducanu's coaching team marks a significant step in her pursuit of consistent high-level performance. With Roig's extensive experience, particularly his longstanding partnership with Nadal, Raducanu may benefit from a wealth of tactical knowledge and mental fortitude. This move suggests a shift in Raducanu’s strategy as she aims to stabilize her coaching situation and gather momentum before major tournaments. Conversely, Djokovic's withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open raises concerns about his fitness ahead of the US Open, potentially impacting his competitive edge. As the tournament approaches, both Raducanu's evolving career and Djokovic's recovery will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

Highlights

As both players prepare for the US Open, their strategies and fitness will be pivotal in shaping their tournament outcomes.