Emma Raducanu has turned to Rafael Nadal's old coach Francisco Roig as she looks to continue her upward trajectory in the tennis world. The 22-year-old Briton, who won the US Open title as a teenage qualifier in 2021, is hoping that the 57-year-old Catalan can help her improve technically and add another layer to her game.
Roig's technical knowledge is unparalleled, according to those who have worked with him. He helped Nadal win each of his 22 Grand Slam titles and was hailed by the Spanish legend as a "very good coach" who makes players better and better. Toni Nadal, Rafael's uncle and former coach, also praised Roig, saying that he is a man with great character and a good psychologist.
Raducanu has already impressed Roig with her work ethic, and the pair have spent lots of time together in Cincinnati, where they had multiple daily practices. The 35-year-old Briton hopes to continue her rise up the rankings with the help of Roig, who is known for using unique coaching drills that are "practical" and "specific".
Lopez, a former Spanish number two, says that Roig achieves this by identifying technical issues through observation rather than needing forensic video analysis. He adds that Roig's eyes are special, allowing him to see things other coaches can't see in a 1000th of a second.
While the partnership is still new, Raducanu and Roig seem to be getting along well. The pair have been spotted smiling together on court during practice sessions with Carlos Alcaraz, and it's clear that they are enjoying each other's company.
As for how long Roig will last, Lopez says that he needs a little time to find his footing with Raducanu. He notes that great coaches need to have many qualities, including technical knowledge, a good psychologist, and a good person. Francisco Roig seems to tick all these boxes, but it remains to be seen how long he will remain in the role of Raducanu's coach.
One thing is certain, however - Emma Raducanu is taking a bold move by turning to Rafael Nadal's old coach Francisco Roig as she looks to continue her upward trajectory in the tennis world. With Roig on board, Raducanu will be hoping that he can help her improve technically and add another layer to her game.
Roig's technical knowledge is unparalleled, according to those who have worked with him. He helped Nadal win each of his 22 Grand Slam titles and was hailed by the Spanish legend as a "very good coach" who makes players better and better. Toni Nadal, Rafael's uncle and former coach, also praised Roig, saying that he is a man with great character and a good psychologist.
Raducanu has already impressed Roig with her work ethic, and the pair have spent lots of time together in Cincinnati, where they had multiple daily practices. The 35-year-old Briton hopes to continue her rise up the rankings with the help of Roig, who is known for using unique coaching drills that are "practical" and "specific".
Lopez, a former Spanish number two, says that Roig achieves this by identifying technical issues through observation rather than needing forensic video analysis. He adds that Roig's eyes are special, allowing him to see things other coaches can't see in a 1000th of a second.
While the partnership is still new, Raducanu and Roig seem to be getting along well. The pair have been spotted smiling together on court during practice sessions with Carlos Alcaraz, and it's clear that they are enjoying each other's company.
As for how long Roig will last, Lopez says that he needs a little time to find his footing with Raducanu. He notes that great coaches need to have many qualities, including technical knowledge, a good psychologist, and a good person. Francisco Roig seems to tick all these boxes, but it remains to be seen how long he will remain in the role of Raducanu's coach.
One thing is certain, however - Emma Raducanu is taking a bold move by turning to Rafael Nadal's old coach Francisco Roig as she looks to continue her upward trajectory in the tennis world. With Roig on board, Raducanu will be hoping that he can help her improve technically and add another layer to her game.