Emma Raducanu has a new coach in her corner.
The 22-year-old has struggled to nail down a long-term coach since her remarkable victory at the 2021 US Open.
Raducanu, who has been working with Mark Petchey on an informal basis since March, has hired Francisco Roig on a full-time basis until the end of 2025.
The world number 33 has chosen to work with Rafael Nadal’s former coach: Francisco Roig worked with the Spaniard from 2005 to 2022.
However, the decision to hire a new coach, rather than sticking solely with Mark Petchey, has garnered some criticism from tennis fans on social media.
This criticism is wholly unfair when considering the circumstances Emma Raducanu has found herself in.
Why criticism of Emma Raducanu is unfair after hiring Francisco Roig
It must be acknowledged that Emma Raducanu needs to stick with a long-term coach soon. The turnstile of coaches since her US Open victory represents an unsustainable model for any tennis player.
There can also be little doubt as to the impact Mark Petchey has had on Raducanu. The Brit has enjoyed her most consistent period of form under his tenure since the 2021 US Open, performing at a high level while making significant inroads at major tournaments.
However, criticism of Raducanu’s decision to hire a new coach is misplaced.
On X [Twitter], a number of tennis fans have questioned Raducanu’s decision to hire a new coach; pointing to the progress she has made under Petchey while also highlighting a need to stick with one coach.
One tennis fan said: “How come some players can’t stick to one coach?”
Another added: “Hope this works out, because damn she was making some incredible progress with Petchey!”
Other fans expressed their sympathy for Mark Petchey. One fan said: “I feel sorry for Mark,” while another added: “Why not continue with Mark Petchey, though? She’s been playing incredibly well since they started working together.”
The answer to this question is two-fold.
Neither Emma Raducanu nor Mark Petchey has confirmed they will be parting ways. While it is likely Petchey will have a reduced role in Raducanu’s plans moving forward, neither party has ruled out working with each other in the future.
Secondly, Mark Petchey made it clear he could not be part of Emma Raducanu’s coaching team on a full-time basis.
Speaking on the Nothing Ventured Podcast in July, Petchey made his commitments public knowledge.
He said: “I think at the moment we are a bit more short-term. Our situation is a little fluid at the moment.
“I am going to help her this week as much as I can, I have some other commitments I can’t get out of. We are very aware she needs a second coach to come on board and maybe just one coach, not me, as well.
“All I am trying to do is facilitate the best possible environment for Emma to produce the best tennis she can. Whether that involves me or does not involve me is not a question I am worried about, we are just trying to find something that will be stable or good for her.”
Therefore, it is unfair to level criticism at Raducanu’s decision to change coaches. Despite her progress under Petchey, she cannot rely on his help in the long-term. Raducanu ultimately made the right decision by hiring an esteemed coach who will provide stability and a wealth of knowledge from his time working with Rafael Nadal.
This is also far from a criticism of Petchey; he is well within his rights to pursue other ambitions, whether that be in the coaches’ box, or within the media sphere.
Emma Raducanu’s big opportunity at the Cincinnati Open
After suffering a heavy loss to Amanda Anisimova at the Canadian Open, Emma Raducanu’s focus will shift to Ohio.
The British number one is set to compete at the Cincinnati Open: another WTA-1000 event.
Raducanu has a big opportunity, as she did not compete at the 2024 event and is therefore not defending any points heading into the tournament, which runs from August 5 to 18.
If the 22-year-old can secure a deep run at the competition, she may pick up enough WTA ranking points to qualify as a seeded player for the US Open.
In 2022, Raducanu performed spectacularly in her first Cincinnati Open match, defeating Serena Williams in straight sets. She will hope to manifest a similar level of play at this year’s tournament.
