Emma Raducanu has opened up after enlisting Francisco Roig, the veteran coach who spent 18 years guiding Rafael Nadal to 22 Grand Slams, as her latest mentor ahead of the Cincinnati Open.
The British No1, currently ranked 33rd globally, began working with the 57-year-old Spaniard following an amicable split from Mark Petchey, whose broadcasting obligations prevented a full-time commitment.
The partnership commenced with training sessions in London before continuing in Cincinnati, where preparations are underway for the tournament starting today.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
“It’s going really well,” Raducanu told Sky Sports. “He’s obviously got a bank of experience; I’m very excited to continue working with him and to have him on my side.”
Sky Sports
|Emma Raducanu opened up to Sky Sports
Roig brings exceptional pedigree to the role, having served as a crucial member of Nadal’s coaching team throughout the Spaniard’s record-breaking career.
The 57-year-old was present for every one of Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam triumphs during their partnership, which concluded in 2022.
A former professional player who achieved a career-best ranking of 60th in 1992, Roig worked alongside Toni Nadal in shaping one of tennis’ most coveted careers.
JUST IN: Thomas Partey completes move as new Villarreal player despite sexual offences charges
Sky Sports
|Francisco Roig has been announced as Emma Raducanu’s latest coach, marking the eighth of her young career
Following his departure from Nadal’s camp, he briefly coached Italian player Matteo Berrettini.
Initial discussions between Raducanu and Roig commenced during Wimbledon, with a trial period following shortly afterwards. The pair have agreed terms through to the end of 2025.
Raducanu has identified clear areas for development under Roig’s tutelage, particularly enhancing her ability to challenge elite competitors.
READ MORE: Darwin Nunez set for Al Hilal medical as Liverpool turn attention back to Alexander Isak
“I’m working on the quality of my shots and to be better. Against the very top, that’s what it needs. It needs to improve,” she explained.
“I think I’ve been good at being creative, scrapping, playing the big points well, but I think the overall quality of my game needs to be better.”
With her current position at 33rd in the world rankings and 25th in the race standings, Raducanu harbours ambitions of securing a seeded position at the US Open for the first time since her 2021 triumph.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Getty
|Emma Raducanu is looking ahead to the start of the US Open later this month, where she burst onto the scene by winning the tournament in 2021 at the age of 18
A strong performance in Cincinnati, where she holds a first-round bye as the 30th seed, could prove pivotal.
The partnership has already produced lighter moments, with Raducanu recounting her surprise at being allocated a Cadillac Escalade upon arrival.
“I didn’t know I had a car, so I landed, and they were like: ‘Oh, you have a car,’ and it’s this massive Cadillac Escalade. So I’m like, ‘this is like a bus’,” she told the Guardian.
Roig has since assumed driving duties, with Raducanu praising his abilities in various conditions.
Raducanu starts her Cincinnati Open campaign on Saturday in the second round.