Emma Raducanu’s journey in professional tennis has been marked by remarkable highs and challenging moments, but one constant has been her willingness to seek out the right guidance that can unlock her full potential. After experimenting with several coaching relationships, she has recently teamed up with Francis Roig, a seasoned coach whose expertise promises to help her elevate her game.

Francis Roig may not be a household name like some coaches, but his influence in the tennis world is profound. A former professional player himself, Roig made his mark primarily as a long-time coach to Rafael Nadal—one of the greatest players in tennis history. Roig was part of Nadal’s team for over a decade, helping to craft the strategy and mental resilience that led Nadal to numerous Grand Slam titles. His experience with top-tier talent has endowed him with an exceptional understanding of the sport’s nuances, from tactical adjustments to managing pressure on the world’s biggest stages.

For Raducanu, recently thrust into the global spotlight after her stunning victory at the 2021 US Open as a qualifier—a feat that immediately set her apart as a prodigious talent—finding the right coach is not only about improving technical skills, but also about finding someone who understands her as a player and as a person. Raducanu’s meteoric rise was followed by a period of adjustment, as she faced the intense scrutiny and expectations that accompany early success in a highly competitive sport.

Roig’s coaching style is often described as a balanced blend of “tough love” and empathy. He is known for his calm demeanor and the ability to connect personally with players, which can be invaluable in helping athletes manage anxiety and the mental demands of competition. Raducanu has reported that Roig’s relaxed approach has been a welcome change in her often high-pressure career. As one fellow player noted, Roig has an infectious passion for analyzing tennis, always eager to dissect matches and refine strategies, which makes practices both insightful and engaging.

Raducanu is already seeing tangible benefits. In their initial collaboration, her gameplay demonstrated improved consistency and tactical awareness. At a recent tournament, she pushed the world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, to a hard-fought match, signaling a new level of competitiveness. Although still early days, Raducanu’s confident performance indicates that Roig’s influence is helping her harness the potential that first emerged in that historic 2021 US Open run.

The relationship between a player and a coach in tennis is intricate—far beyond just perfecting serves and volleys. It’s about mutual trust and understanding, something Roig and Raducanu appear to be building steadily. Roig’s extensive background includes not only coaching elite men’s players but also working with rising talents seeking breakthroughs on the professional circuit. His ability to tailor coaching to individual needs has been highlighted by tennis veterans, suggesting that Raducanu is in capable hands.

To appreciate the significance of Raducanu’s coaching partnership, it helps to look at the broader historical role of coaches in tennis. For decades, the influence of a skilled mentor has been pivotal in the careers of legends like Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras, and Serena Williams. Coaches not only fine-tune athletic prowess but also serve as psychological anchors during grueling tournaments, offering guidance and perspective. Roig’s track record with Nadal—helping the Spaniard adapt his aggressive baseline play and battle through injuries—underscores the potential impact he can have on Raducanu’s career trajectory.

Before Raducanu’s venture with Roig, she had worked with various coaches, including Nigel Sears, who supported her breakthrough at the US Open. However, Sears’ departure was surrounded by media speculation and highlighted the pressures young athletes face to constantly evolve and find the perfect fit in their support teams. Roig’s arrival signals a fresh start—a strategic alliance aimed not just at refining technical skills, but also at fostering mental fortitude and longevity in the sport.

Beyond the professional sphere, Roig has contributed to Raducanu’s off-court life as well. She has spoken about how having someone like Roig around helps her relax and maintain a healthy balance, vital for sustaining a demanding career. This holistic approach—where personal rapport complements athletic coaching—is increasingly appreciated in modern tennis, where mental health is often discussed alongside physical training.

While the road ahead is undeniably tough—tennis is a cutthroat sport where every match tests a player’s resilience—Raducanu’s partnership with Francis Roig offers optimism. The “ace” in her corner is not just a technical advisor but a mentor with the wisdom to navigate the unpredictable ups and downs of elite sport.

As tennis legend Carlos Alcaraz, himself a product of thoughtful coaching, observed, having someone like Roig transforms possibilities from mere dreams into achievable goals. For Raducanu, whose journey has already captivated the sporting world, this coaching synergy could be the key to unlocking future Grand Slam glory and securing her place among the greats of the game.