Emma Raducanu ropes in Rafael Nadal's ex-coach to rewrite her tennis destiny

Emma Raducanu has just one title to her name – the 2021 US Open.

Emma Raducanu, now 22, still holds just one title in her professional tennis career. She won the US Open 2021, where she became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam without dropping a set. So far, that trophy continues to define her legacy as Britain’s No.1 female tennis player.

But four years on, the question lingers now: is one title enough?

Of course not. In her pursuit to unlock the full potential of her unmatched talent, the Toronto-born British star has already gone through eight coaching changes. Now, Emma Raducanu has roped in Francis Roig, a coach who has experience guiding 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.

Just ahead of the final major event of the 2025 season, where then 18-year-old Emma worked her magic, Francis Roig has joined her coaching unit full-time. Could this be the turning point?

Only one title so far – Why?

Emma Raducanu made her Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon in 2021. Won the major title just in her second appearance at Flushing Meadows. Apart from that, her only other final appearance came at the 2021 Chicago WTA 125.

Beyond that, she hasn’t gone past the semi-finals at any tournament. For a player who has a record of winning a major singles title in only her second main draw, this is hard to digest. Right?

In 2025, Raducanu’s search for consistency indeed showed glimmers of hope. Under British coach Mark Petchey, who joined her informally in March, she reached the quarterfinals of the Miami Open.

This was her best result at the level, where she defeated world No. 10 Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova before falling to No. 4 Jessica Pegula. At the French Open, she faced world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the second round and barely avoided a bagel loss, losing 1–6, 2–6.

Also Read: ‘I was born here’ – Emma Raducanu reveals her emotional connection with Canada

She found a better rhythm on grass, reaching the semifinals at the Nottingham Open in June, but lost to fellow Brit Katie Boulter. However, her Wimbledon campaign ended in the third round at the hands of the world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Most recently, Emma reached the semifinals at the Washington Open 2025. But, lost the WTA 500 event to Anna Kalinskaya.

Eight coaches, no consistency – Can Roig be the gamechanger?

Now, notice the pattern.

With every change, a new coach has entered the picture. Since her stunning US Open win in 2021, Raducanu has changed coaches frequently.

From Andrew Richardson, who guided her to that one maiden and only victory, to Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, Sebastian Sachs, Nick Cavaday, and Vladimir Platenik – most of them came and went within months.

She even tried calling her childhood coach Cavaday back in January 2024, but eventually had to part ways due to his health conditions.

Who r̶u̶l̶e run the court? Girls. 👯‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/i4bZxqhytk

— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 5, 2025

Even Mark Petchey, under whom a few improvements were noticed this year, stepped aside due to broadcasting duties.

After Wimbledon this year, the British no.1 had a brief trial with Francisco Roig. That trial has now turned into a full-time commitment. The Spaniard will begin working with Emma from the Cincinnati Open 2025 this week, and reportedly, their partnership will last until the end of 2025.

Now, whether that’s a good decision or not, one thing is certain — Francisco Roig is a good coach. After all, he was in Rafael Nadal’s corner for all 22 of his Grand Slam titles, from 2005 to 2022. If anyone can guide Emma Raducanu back to the top, there’s no reason to deny that it might just be him.

She is set to return to New York for the final Grand Slam of the year later this month, starting August 24, just a week after Cincinnati. Emma Raducanu will also compete in the mixed doubles championship, partnering with yet another Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz.

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