Emma Raducanu has ended her partnership with Francisco Roig, marking yet another coaching change in a career still defined by the long shadow of her US Open triumph in 2021. The decision comes just days before the former world No.10 is set to return to competition at the Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca.
Roig, a long-time member of Rafael Nadal’s coaching circle, represented one of Raducanu’s most experienced and stable appointments. Since working together, Raducanu appeared more settled on court, producing improved results in 2025 that helped her ranking climb back into a more competitive position.
A split described as amicable
Raducanu confirmed the separation via a heartfelt Instagram post, stressing that the decision was mutual and respectful.
“Francis, thank you for our time together. You were more than just a coach to me, and I will always cherish the moments we shared on and off the court. Even though we decided not to continue, please know how grateful I am for everything you taught me.”
Despite the warm tone, the timing raised eyebrows. Raducanu is seeded No.1 in Cluj and had been expected to build momentum there after a second-round exit at the Australian Open.
A familiar pattern resurfaces
Roig becomes the eighth permanent coach Raducanu has parted ways with since turning professional. While coaching changes are not uncommon on tour, Raducanu’s frequency remains notable, particularly given the periods of visible progress that often precede them.
Speaking after her Australian Open defeat, Raducanu hinted at philosophical differences rather than personal conflict.
“I didn’t play the way I wanted to play because I wasn’t hitting any shot particularly well. Francis and I have done great work over the last few months. It’s hard to say we weren’t on the same page.”
Reports suggest Raducanu will be accompanied by Alexis Canter in Cluj, though no long-term appointment has been announced.
Emma Raducanu’s Coaches (with key results)
Here’s a chronological overview of her documented coaches and interim support, plus the most notable results from each period.
| Coach | Period (approx.) | Role / Notes | Key results in that period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Cavaday (GBR) | Junior years until ~2014; return 2023/2024 – Jan 2025 | Early junior coach; later returned as head coach; partnership ended due to health reasons. (The Independent) | Returned to the top 100 after wrist/ankle operations during the comeback season. |
| Nigel Sears (GBR) | Apr 2021 – Jul 2021 | Coached her through the 2021 grass breakthrough. | Wimbledon 2021: reached the fourth round. (wimbledon.com) |
| Andrew Richardson (GBR) | Jul 2021 – Sept 2021 | Took over ahead of the US Open run; split afterward. | US Open 2021: won the title. (The Independent) |
| Torben Beltz (GER) | Nov 2021 – Apr 2022 | Post–US Open coaching change. | Australian Open 2022: reached the second round. (ESPN.com) |
| Iain Bates (GBR) | 2022 (interim, phases) | LTA interim/tournament support during transitions. | No single headline result attributed in reporting (support role in transition periods). |
| Louis Cayer (CAN) | 2022 (phases) | LTA technical input/advisory role at times. (The Guardian) | No specific headline result attributed in reporting (advisor role). (The Guardian) |
| Jane O’Donoghue (GBR) | 2022 (phases); later phases also reported | Trusted mentor/coach in transition phases. | No single signature result consistently credited (used mainly as transitional support). |
| Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) | Jul 2022 – Oct 2022 | Trial period that extended across multiple events. (ESPN.com) | Notable wins in the run-up to US Open 2022 included victories over former No. 1s; later reached the Korea Open quarterfinals in Seoul. (Tennis365) |
| Sebastian Sachs (GER) | Dec 2022 – Jun 2023 | Partnership derailed by injuries; ended as she opted for surgery. | Played the early-2023 swing (e.g., Indian Wells/Miami/Stuttgart mentioned in reports) before season-halting surgeries. (tennishead.net) |
| Vladimir Platenik (SVK) | Mar 2025 (about 2 weeks) | Very short trial period. (The Independent) | No meaningful competitive “headline result” reported due to the brief stint. |
| Mark Petchey (GBR) | ~Mar/Apr 2025 – Summer 2025 (interim/part-time) | Interim/part-time setup; not a permanent head coach in reports. (thetennisgazette.com) | Miami Open 2025: reached the quarterfinals; also reported as a stretch of four consecutive match wins. (Women’s Tennis Association) |
| Francisco Roig (ESP) | Aug 2025 – Jan 2026 | Former Nadal team member; split after ~5–6 months. | Reached the third round at Cincinnati and the US Open during the partnership; Australian Open 2026 ended in round two. |
| Alexis Canter (GBR) | Late Jan 2026 (interim) | LTA coach traveling with her immediately after the Roig split. (The Guardian) | Set to accompany her into the Transylvania Open swing as interim support |
FAQ: How many coaches did Emma Raducanu have? The correct answer as of January 29 is 13.
What it means for Cluj — and beyond
Cluj represents an opportunity rather than a setback. Raducanu enters the event without ranking points to defend, offering a rare pressure-free environment to rebuild confidence and clarity.
Still, the broader question remains unresolved: whether Raducanu’s search for the “right fit” is part of a necessary process of self-definition — or an obstacle to sustained stability at the highest level.
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