Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis sensation who shocked the world by winning the 2021 US Open title as a teenage qualifier, has hired Rafael Nadal's old coach Francisco Roig to help her take her game to the next level. The appointment is seen as a longer-term bet, with Raducanu looking to continue her upward trajectory and build on the progress she made last season.
Roig, a wily Spaniard who helped Nadal win each of his 22 Grand Slam titles, brings unparalleled technical knowledge to the table. His approach is described as "practical" and "specific," focusing on unique coaching drills that are designed to address specific technical issues with Raducanu's game.
According to former Spanish number two Feliciano Lopez, who was guided by Roig for several years, he is a patient but demanding coach who pushes his players until they achieve whatever improvement he thinks needs fixing. Lopez also praises Roig's ability to observe and identify technical issues without the need for forensic video analysis, thanks to his "special eyes" that allow him to see things other coaches can't.
Raducanu herself has spoken highly of Roig, stating that she loves being on court with him and appreciates his focus on improving her overall quality of play. She recognizes that there is still work to be done, particularly in terms of power and control, but is confident that Roig's guidance will help her achieve this.
As the partnership between Raducanu and Roig continues to develop, it remains to be seen how long the Spaniard will remain with the British player. However, based on what has been seen so far, there are signs that a strong bond is forming between them, which could be crucial in unlocking Raducanu's full potential.
Raducanu's decision to hire Roig comes after a period of flux in her coaching team. She had previously worked with Nick Cavaday and Mark Petchey on an informal basis, but ultimately chose to bring in a full-time coach to help her navigate the demanding schedule of the ATP Tour. While it is still early days, there are already signs that Roig's influence will be felt, both on and off the court.
The appointment has also sparked renewed interest in Raducanu's game, with many observers predicting a strong showing from her at the US Open. As she looks to build on last season's progress and establish herself as a top player in the sport, Roig's guidance will be crucial in helping her achieve this goal.
Roig, a wily Spaniard who helped Nadal win each of his 22 Grand Slam titles, brings unparalleled technical knowledge to the table. His approach is described as "practical" and "specific," focusing on unique coaching drills that are designed to address specific technical issues with Raducanu's game.
According to former Spanish number two Feliciano Lopez, who was guided by Roig for several years, he is a patient but demanding coach who pushes his players until they achieve whatever improvement he thinks needs fixing. Lopez also praises Roig's ability to observe and identify technical issues without the need for forensic video analysis, thanks to his "special eyes" that allow him to see things other coaches can't.
Raducanu herself has spoken highly of Roig, stating that she loves being on court with him and appreciates his focus on improving her overall quality of play. She recognizes that there is still work to be done, particularly in terms of power and control, but is confident that Roig's guidance will help her achieve this.
As the partnership between Raducanu and Roig continues to develop, it remains to be seen how long the Spaniard will remain with the British player. However, based on what has been seen so far, there are signs that a strong bond is forming between them, which could be crucial in unlocking Raducanu's full potential.
Raducanu's decision to hire Roig comes after a period of flux in her coaching team. She had previously worked with Nick Cavaday and Mark Petchey on an informal basis, but ultimately chose to bring in a full-time coach to help her navigate the demanding schedule of the ATP Tour. While it is still early days, there are already signs that Roig's influence will be felt, both on and off the court.
The appointment has also sparked renewed interest in Raducanu's game, with many observers predicting a strong showing from her at the US Open. As she looks to build on last season's progress and establish herself as a top player in the sport, Roig's guidance will be crucial in helping her achieve this goal.