Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has shared glowing insights into her burgeoning relationship with new coach Francisco Roig, highlighting his ability to balance intense training with a lighthearted approach as she prepares for the 2025 US Open, starting August 24. Speaking to Sky Sports on August 23, 2025, Raducanu described Roig, Rafael Nadal’s former mentor, as a “great fit,” emphasizing their chemistry and his seasoned expertise ahead of her first-round match against Ena Shibahara.
Raducanu’s Praise for Roig
Raducanu, 22, revealed that she and Roig “get on really well,” crediting his experience from coaching Nadal to 22 Grand Slam titles. “We fit great. He is so experienced, and we’ve been doing a lot of hours on the practice court, which I think has been helping me,” she said. She also appreciated Roig’s ability to know “when to have fun and switch off,” adding, “It is not just constant seriousness. We work, but we also laugh.” This balance has fostered a positive environment, evident in her recent Cincinnati Open performance, where she pushed world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to a third-set tiebreak (7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5)).
The Coaching Transition
Roig, 57, replaced caretaker coach Mark Petchey in August 2025, becoming Raducanu’s eighth coach since her 2021 US Open triumph. The transition followed a challenging period marked by injuries and a first-round loss to Sofia Kenin in 2024. Raducanu explained the shift, saying, “After Wimbledon, we knew it was going to be difficult to keep things going with Mark’s commitments. I asked my agent, ‘Do we have any more ideas?’ I wanted someone solid for the U.S. swing.” Roig’s appointment, facilitated by her agent Jill Smoller, has already shown early promise, with fans on X noting, “Emma looks so confident with Roig’s calm vibe” (@RaducanuNews, August 23, 2025).
Broader Context and Outlook
Raducanu’s bond with Roig mirrors the resilience of peers like Coco Gauff, adapting to new coaches, or Luke Littler, navigating darts pressure. Facing a tough US Open draw with potential clashes against Veronika Kudermetova and Elena Rybakina, Raducanu’s renewed mindset under Roig’s guidance is crucial. She expressed enthusiasm for the tournament, stating, “I’m tougher than people think. This is my happy place.” Roig’s influence, combining rigorous practice with moments of levity, could propel Raducanu toward a deep run, potentially recreating her 2021 magic at Flushing Meadows.
