Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, wasted no time after her first-round victory at the 2025 US Open on August 24, returning to the practice court within hours to refine her forehand under the guidance of new coach Francisco Roig. The British No. 1, ranked 39th, defeated Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-2 in 62 minutes, marking her first Flushing Meadows win since her 2021 title. Roig, Rafael Nadal’s former coach, is pushing Raducanu’s work ethic, earning praise for his rigorous approach as she aims to reclaim her Grand Slam glory.
Roig’s Influence and Practice Intensity
Following her swift victory at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Raducanu was back on the practice court by 14:00 local time, focusing on forehand returns with Roig in a 30-minute session filled with laughter and intensity. Raducanu told BBC Sport, “Francisco loves the court, and so do I. We’re putting in the hours to get better every day” (web:10). Roig’s technical expertise, honed over 18 years with Nadal, emphasizes shot quality and rally control, which Raducanu credits for her recent progress. Her Cincinnati Open performance, pushing Aryna Sabalenka to a third-set tiebreak (7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5)), showcased early results (web:4). Roig’s vocal presence in her box, though often drowned out by crowd noise, provides tactical cues she lip-reads when needed (web:5).
Raducanu’s US Open Milestone
Raducanu’s win over Shibahara, her fastest Grand Slam main-draw victory, broke a four-year Flushing Meadows drought after first-round exits in 2022 and 2024 and a 2023 absence due to surgeries. “I broke a barrier today. It’s a relief to keep going without that in my head,” she said (web:10). Her 22 winners and six unforced errors against Shibahara highlighted her improved consistency. Next, she faces Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen, with potential third-round and quarterfinal clashes against Veronika Kudermetova and Sabalenka (web:6). Fans on X lauded Roig’s impact, with one post stating, “Emma’s work ethic with Roig is next-level! Deep run incoming” (@RaducanuFan, August 24, 2025) (post:3).
Broader Context
Raducanu’s post-match practice echoes the dedication of peers like Coco Gauff, adapting to new coaches, or Luke Littler, thriving under darts pressure. Roig’s discipline, likened to a whip-cracking approach, aligns with Raducanu’s goal to elevate her game against top players. Her collaboration with chiropractor Jerome Poupel, addressing back issues, further supports her physical resilience (web:10). As Raducanu navigates the 2025 US Open, Roig’s rigorous coaching could propel her past previous setbacks, potentially recreating her 2021 magic in New York.
