Emma Raducanu is around a week into her partnership with new coach Francisco Roig, having appointed the former Rafael Nadal advisor as a successor to Mark Petchey.
Her time with the Brit was supremely positive, as she navigated a tricky few months with remarkable poise.
It was clear to see the progression she was making under his guidance, but it always felt like there’d be an expiry date.
Especially given his broadcasting commitments, which led Petchey to admit he could no longer coach Raducanu.
So, she was back to square one, and seriously at risk of undoing all the hard work to make so many great strides forward. Fortunately, it already seems like her relationship with Roig is set to prove successful.
What Emma Raducanu said after her first week working with Mark Petchey
And, there is a key difference between the Spaniard and Mark Petchey, which could prove pivotal in helping her reach the next level, capable of challenging the very best players that the WTA has to offer.
That dissimilarity was made evident through Emma Raducanu’s respective assessments of her first few days with both coaches.
Speaking midway through the Miami Open, which marked her first events alongside Petchey, and one of her best tournament performances of the year, she claimed: “I’m happy with the set-up going forward right now – it’s been working well,” said the world number 49.
“I like him a lot and I’ve known him since before the US Open [victory in 2021], and it’s nice to have familiar faces around.
“We’re keeping things informal for now, and it’s been working. He’s someone I’ve known for a long time, and I do feel like I can trust him.
“For now, there is no real thing set in stone, but we’re taking it week to week and he’s helping me as much as he can alongside his current commitments.”
She was positive, but standoffish, and seemed to lean more into their relationship rather than his expertise. With Roig, that was completely different.
Emma Raducanu leaning on Francisco Roig’s experience
Raducanu has had months of impressive progression under Petchey, who was previously most famed for helping Andy Murray burst into the top 50 many years ago.
He stabilised the women’s British number one and has put her in a really strong position heading into the US Open, with Roig now taking the reins.
The player he has inherited is far more advanced than the one that Petchey started with, and with that in mind, it’s clear that Raducanu wanted a fresh, new perspective to help take that next step.
As such, her early assessment of the Spaniard highlighted his experience rather than his personality and their respective synergy.
She stated: “He’s obviously got a bank of experience and I’m very excited to continue working with him and to have him on my side. It’s going really well.”
Although only a minor detail, Raducanu’s focus on what he has achieved throughout his coaching career proves that she is well aware of what she needs to take the next step, and believes that Roig is the man to take her there.
Petchey deserves so much credit for what he accomplished with the 22-year-old, but the man who helped Nadal win 22 Grand Slam titles seems the next natural step up to elevate her game.
