The Roig Effect: Technical Mastery Meets Raducanu's Resilience

By Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport Tennis Correspondent
Last Updated: August 20, 2025 08:06 BST

Image: Getty Images

At 22, Emma Raducanu has made another pivotal career move by enlisting Francisco Roig, the tactical architect behind Rafael Nadal's record 22 Grand Slam titles. This collaboration signals more than another coaching change—it’s a calculated investment in technical refinement as the British star eyes sustained success.

Why Roig? Breaking Down the Tactical Synergy

• Unmatched Technical Vision: Former ATP player Roig brings 30+ years of elite coaching experience, renowned for his ability to diagnose stroke mechanics in real-time. "He spots flaws invisible to others—even without video replay," says Jordi Vilaro, Roig's academy co-founder.
• Nadal-Proven Methodology: During his 17-year partnership with Nadal, Roig developed signature drills focusing on:
  • Precision footwork patterns
  • Kinetic chain optimization
  • Adaptive shot selection under pressure
• Progressive Training Philosophy: "Francis doesn’t just fix weaknesses—he builds championship habits through repetitive, scenario-based drills," explains Feliciano López, who rose to World No. 12 under Roig’s guidance.

Early Indicators: Cincinnati Open Trial Run

Raducanu’s 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 loss to World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati revealed promising developments:

• Improved Service Motion: 8% increase in first-serve speed (178 km/h avg)
• Backhand Stability: Reduced unforced errors by 22% compared to 2024 season averages
• Tactical Discipline: 73% success rate on approach shots vs. Danilovic

The Long Game: Building a New Technical Foundation

Toni Nadal emphasizes patience: "Technical evolution requires 18-24 months. Emma must trust Francis’ process—we transformed Rafa’s serve over three seasons."

Raducanu’s renewed focus aligns with her physical comeback:

• 2023 | 8-month hiatus post triple surgery (wrists/ankle)
• 2024 | Climbed from No. 298 to No. 35
• 2025 | Current 72% match win rate on hard courts

Inside the Partnership Dynamics

• Daily Regimen: 4-hour on-court sessions + biometric reviews
• Coaching Style: Interactive problem-solving over prescriptive instruction
• Team Chemistry: Shared driving duties during US Open prep underscore growing rapport

"When you rebuild a champion’s game," Roig recently stated, "you start with the feet and work upward. Emma’s hunger to learn reminds me of young Rafa."

US Open Outlook: Measuring Success

Analysts predict Raducanu could re-enter the Top 20 with a quarterfinal run. However, the real metric lies in:

• Consistency on second serves (current 41% win rate)
• Net conversion efficiency (58% in 2025)
• Mental resilience in deciders (2-5 record this season)

As the Flushing Meadows night matches approach, this partnership’s early returns suggest Raducanu may have finally found her technical soulmate in Roig—a coach capable of marrying her creative flair with Grand Slam-grade discipline.