British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has officially confirmed her separation from coach Francisco Roig, a decision that follows her disappointing second-round exit at the Australian Open in Melbourne. The 23-year-old, who hired Roig last summer after he previously worked with Rafael Nadal, announced the split in a heartfelt Instagram Stories post, signalling the end of their brief partnership.
Raducanu Pays Tribute to Concluded Coaching Partnership
In her social media message, Raducanu expressed gratitude and fondness for Roig, highlighting the personal and professional bond they shared. She wrote, "Thank you for our time together. You have been more than a coach to me and I will cherish the many good times we spent together on and off the court." The 2021 US Open champion added that while they mutually agreed not to move forward, she remains "very grateful for all you have taught me and fond of our time shared." This public acknowledgment underscores the amicable nature of their split, despite the competitive pressures of professional tennis.
Coaching Carousel Continues for Raducanu
Roig becomes the latest in a series of coaches Raducanu has parted ways with over recent years, raising questions about stability in her training setup. The split comes after a 7-6 (3) 6-2 defeat to Anastasia Potapova at the Australian Open, a match that prompted Raducanu to reflect on her game. In post-match comments, she revealed plans to "re-evaluate" her performance, stating, "I think I'm going to take a few days, get back home and try and just re-evaluate my game a bit." This introspection suggests a strategic pause as she assesses her next steps in the sport.
Raducanu's Focus on Game Improvement and Future Direction
Looking ahead, Raducanu emphasised her desire to refine her playing style and regain confidence in her shots. She explained, "I definitely want to feel better on certain shots before I start playing again. I want to be playing a different way, and I think the misalignment with how I'm playing right now and how I want to be playing is something that I just want to work on." The young athlete also harked back to her earlier form, noting, "At the end of the day, I just want to hit the ball to the corners and hard. I feel like I'm doing all this variety, and it's not doing what I want it to do. I need to just work on playing in a way more similar to how I was playing when I was younger." This focus on fundamentals and a return to her roots could shape her approach in the upcoming season.
As Raducanu navigates this coaching transition, the tennis world watches closely to see how she will adapt and who might fill the coaching role next. Her commitment to improvement and honest assessment of her game indicate a determined mindset, even as she faces the challenges of consistency at the elite level.
