Emma Raducanu Opens Up on Coaching Changes and Tournament Preparation
British tennis star Emma Raducanu has provided detailed insights into her recent decision to end her coaching partnership with Francisco Roig, following the Australian Open. The 2021 US Open champion is currently not actively seeking a new coach, instead opting to work closely with hitting partner Alexis Canter as she gears up for the upcoming Indian Wells tournament.
Current Setup with Alexis Canter
Raducanu, aged 23, has expressed satisfaction with her current arrangement, highlighting Canter's familiarity with her game and personal dynamics. "Right now I wouldn't say I'm actively looking for a coach. Right now, I have Alexis in my corner," Raducanu told The Guardian. "He knows me as a person, he knows me as a player. And I've actually had some success with him in the past year in Washington and Cluj … so it's going well."
The British number one has previously collaborated with Canter, who is only four years her senior, achieving notable results including a semi-final appearance at last summer's Washington, DC Open. This partnership preceded Roig's full-time involvement, which lasted approximately six months before their recent separation.
Reasons for Parting Ways with Francisco Roig
Raducanu explained that while she valued her experience with Roig, certain fundamental disagreements led to their split. "I think I had a great experience with Francis in terms of how we got on so well … the rapport was great," she stated. "I think in the end, we just weren't aligning on certain key aspects, but we still maintain a really good relationship."
She emphasized a desire to return to a more aggressive playing style, which she felt had been compromised during her time with Roig. "I know the drills that I need to be doing right now in this moment in time … just repetition of doing those key fundamentals. I think I want to go back to that and [develop] a more aggressive style of playing," Raducanu added.
Health Challenges and Recovery Focus
The tennis professional also addressed health issues that have impacted her recent performances, including a virus contracted during the Transylvania Open in Cluj. "In Cluj, I picked up like a virus, I think, at the start of the tournament," Raducanu explained. "So I was dealing with that and the after-effects … I had really long effects for the last three weeks. I've been trying to clear them, so the Middle East trip was very difficult for me."
These health setbacks contributed to first-round exits in Dubai and Qatar, following her runner-up finish at the Transylvania Open. Raducanu is now concentrating on regaining full fitness ahead of Indian Wells, the first WTA 1000 tournament of March. "I'm getting ready for Indian Wells and just trying to get back to full health, and I still have a bit of time, so I'm just looking forward to doing my best to be ready for that," she said.
Resilience and Long-Term Perspective
Reflecting on the demands of the professional tennis circuit, Raducanu highlighted resilience as a crucial lesson. "Sport is a great vehicle in terms of teaching you life lessons," she remarked. "I believe resilience is the biggest lesson that I can take away from this, because the season is so long – it's 11 months of the year – it's very difficult to be on court the entire time if you play all these tournaments that are now being made mandatory."
She concluded with a personal mantra that guides her through challenging periods: "Just doing your best each day, and striving to be the best version of yourself, is my goal. But I think just knowing that whatever challenge comes my way, I can keep falling down seven times, but I'm going to get up eight times, that's something that I keep with me, it serves me pretty well in the tough moments."
Raducanu's comments come amid her recent announcement as a Uniqlo global brand ambassador, underscoring her ongoing prominence in the sport despite coaching changes and health hurdles.
