Emma Raducanu’s coaching carousel continues—and it’s raising eyebrows across the tennis world. Just six months after teaming up with Francisco Roig, the British No. 1 has confirmed their partnership is over, following her early exit from the Australian Open. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Raducanu’s inability to find long-term coaching stability a symptom of deeper issues in her game, or simply a reflection of the cutthroat nature of professional tennis? Let’s dive in.
In a heartfelt social media post, Raducanu thanked Roig for their time together, calling him ‘more than a coach’ and expressing gratitude for the lessons learned both on and off the court. Yet, despite the amicable tone, this marks her ninth coaching change since her breakthrough at Wimbledon in 2021. That’s right—nine coaches in less than three years. From Nigel Sears to Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov to Roig, the list reads like a who’s who of tennis coaching. And this is the part most people miss: Raducanu has also leaned on mentors like Jane O’Donoghue, LTA’s Iain Bates, and Louis Cayer, who’ve played pivotal behind-the-scenes roles. So, why the constant churn?
Roig, a former longtime member of Rafael Nadal’s team, joined Raducanu’s camp before the Cincinnati Open last August, bringing with him a wealth of experience from working with stars like Sloane Stephens and Matteo Berrettini. Yet, despite a largely positive 2025 season, Raducanu’s 2026 campaign got off to a rocky start in Australia. A second-round loss to Anastasia Potapova at the Australian Open highlighted her struggles, with the 23-year-old citing a nagging foot injury and technical issues with her forehand as key factors. Here’s the bold question: Was Roig’s departure tied to her forehand woes, or was it a mutual decision to part ways?
Raducanu’s forehand, once her most potent weapon in 2025, underwent a noticeable technical change this year—a higher, lengthier swing that seemed out of place on faster courts. ‘It’s not something I really wanted to happen,’ she admitted, acknowledging the need to adjust. But is this just a bump in the road, or a sign of deeper tactical confusion? And this is the part most people miss: Could Raducanu’s frequent coaching changes be hindering her ability to develop a consistent playing style?
As she heads to the Transylvania Open in Cluj, Romania—her father’s homeland—Raducanu will be accompanied by LTA coach Alexis Canter. But the bigger question lingers: Who will be her next long-term coach, and will they be able to help her reclaim her form? Is the problem the coaches, or the system? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
