He Fixes What Needs Fixing – Why Raducanu Turned to Nadal’s Ex-Coach
Emma Raducanu’s journey since her electrifying 2021 US Open victory has been anything but ordinary. From her unprecedented run as a qualifier to the pressures of maintaining elite performance, her career has been a testament to resilience and raw talent. Now, as she strives to reclaim her place among tennis’s best, the British sensation has made a bold move: partnering with Francisco Roig, the mastermind coach who played a crucial role in shaping Rafael Nadal’s unparalleled legacy. And if there’s one thing Roig is known for, it’s this—he fixes what needs fixing.
Why Francisco Roig? The Coach Who Transforms Players
Francisco Roig isn’t just another big-name coach—his reputation is built on results. For nearly two decades, he worked alongside Rafael Nadal, contributing to all 22 of the Spanish icon’s Grand Slam titles. But what makes Roig different? His ability to diagnose and correct technical flaws with surgical precision.
Former Spanish No. 2 Feliciano López, who trained under Roig, attests to his methods: He’s patient but relentless. Once he spots something that needs fixing, he won’t stop until it’s perfected. This meticulous approach is precisely what Raducanu needs as she refines her game under pressure.
Toni Nadal, Rafael’s uncle and a coaching legend himself, agrees: Francisco is exceptional at technical adjustments. Tennis today is a blend of power and control, and without a strong foundation, players struggle. That’s what he brings to the table.
Technical Precision: Roig’s Secret Weapon
The hallmark of Roig’s coaching is his ability to spot even the most subtle weaknesses—often without relying on video analysis. Jordi Vilaro, a longtime associate, puts it simply: His instincts are unbelievable. He sees things in real time that most coaches miss even on replay. Every player he works with leaves with a cleaner, more efficient game.
For Raducanu, who prides herself on tactical intelligence and versatility, this could be the missing link. After recovering from wrist and ankle surgeries that sidelined her for much of 2023, she has shown glimpses of her best—reaching the semi-finals in Washington and the quarter-finals in Miami and Queen’s. Yet, to break back into the Top 10, she needs more than grit—she needs a structured, technical edge.
I know I can improve the consistency and quality of my shots, Raducanu acknowledged recently. I’ve always been good at problem-solving in matches, but my overall game has to get sharper. If anyone can refine her technique, it’s Roig.
Early Signs of a Winning Partnership
Since her US Open triumph, Raducanu has cycled through several coaches, seeking the right fit. But with Roig, there’s a sense of stability. Their collaboration began quietly after Wimbledon, and the early results are encouraging. At the Cincinnati Open, she dispatched Olga Danilovic comfortably before pushing World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to three thrilling sets.
According to Vilaro, Roig was immediately impressed by Raducanu’s work ethic: He told me, ‘She loves the grind—she’s addicted to improving.’ They’ve spent hours refining her returns, second shots, and defensive plays. For Francisco, a player’s willingness to learn is everything.
This dynamic is crucial because Raducanu isn’t just looking for coaching—she’s looking for a mentor who challenges her. Roig’s blend of technical brilliance and engaging personality makes him a perfect match.
Will This Be the Long-Term Solution?
Raducanu’s coaching history has been a revolving door, but Roig might be the exception. Unlike previous hires, this partnership isn’t just tactical—it’s built on rapport. Described as both a technician and a motivator, Roig could be the anchor Raducanu needs.
Toni Nadal emphasizes the importance of patience: Francis is a great person—easy to talk to, with a good sense of humor. But changing habits takes time. If Emma wants to climb the rankings, she has to commit to the process.
So far, the signs are positive. Whether sharing drills with Carlos Alcaraz or bonding off-court during tournaments, Raducanu and Roig seem to be building a relationship that could stand the test of time.
What This Means for Raducanu’s US Open Comeback
As Raducanu returns to Flushing Meadows—the stage of her career-defining breakthrough—she does so with renewed confidence. Roig’s influence is already evident in her sharper shot selection and tactical awareness. If their synergy continues to grow, the 2024 US Open could be the start of another remarkable chapter.
Tennis is a sport of fine margins, and Roig’s philosophy is straightforward: fix what needs fixing. For Raducanu, that might just be the key to unlocking her full potential.
Final Verdict: A Perfect Match?
Great coaches don’t just instruct—they elevate. Francisco Roig did it with Rafael Nadal, and now, Emma Raducanu is banking on him to do the same for her. The early results are promising, and if the partnership continues to thrive, the sky’s the limit.
In a game where the smallest adjustments make the biggest difference, having a coach who fixes what needs fixing could be the ultimate advantage. For Raducanu, this might just be the turning point she’s been waiting for.
