Emma Raducanu has announced she will embark on a fresh search for a new coach following her confirmation of a split from Francisco Roig. This development comes in the wake of the British number one's early exit from the Australian Open last week, where she suffered a second-round defeat to Anastasia Potapova.
A Coaching Carousel Continues
In a statement shared on social media, Raducanu expressed gratitude towards Roig, with whom she had worked for approximately six months. "Francis, Thank you for our time together," she wrote. "You have been more than a coach to me and I will cherish the many times we spent together on and off the court. While we have come to the conclusion together that we ought not to move forward, please know that I’m very grateful for all you have taught me and our time shared."
This separation marks the latest chapter in what has become a recurring narrative for the young tennis prodigy. Since her remarkable breakthrough in the summer of 2021, Raducanu has struggled to establish a long-term coaching partnership. The departure of Roig represents her ninth coaching change since her fourth-round run at Wimbledon in 2024.
A Rapid Turnover of Mentors
The list of coaches who have worked with Raducanu over this period is extensive and includes several notable names from the tennis world. Her coaching roster has featured Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, Sebastian Sachs, Vladimir Platenik, Nick Cavaday, and Mark Petchey, culminating with her recent collaboration with Francisco Roig.
Beyond these formal coaching arrangements, Raducanu has also received guidance and support from additional figures within British tennis. These include Jane O'Donoghue, a family friend and former player, Iain Bates, the LTA head of women's tennis, and Louis Cayer, an LTA high performance coach renowned for his success with British WTA players.
Technical Troubles on Court
Raducanu's partnership with Roig began ahead of the Cincinnati Open in August last year. Roig brought considerable experience to the role, having previously served as a long-standing member of Rafael Nadal's coaching team and worked with players such as Sloane Stephens and Matteo Berrettini.
While the latter part of Raducanu's 2025 season showed promising form, her start to the new year in Australia proved challenging. The British star struggled significantly with her performance level during the tournament. Following her defeat, Raducanu pointed to a persistent foot injury that had hampered her preparation, having missed almost the entire off-season. However, she also acknowledged issues with the development of her game.
Forehand Difficulties Emerge
A particular area of concern has been Raducanu's forehand, which underwent noticeable technical changes as she entered 2026. Observers noted a higher and more elongated swing, a departure from her previous technique. Throughout her early matches in Australia, the Briton experienced consistent difficulties with this shot, which had previously been one of her most formidable weapons during the 2025 season.
Raducanu herself addressed these technical adjustments, suggesting they may have contributed to her recent challenges. "I think it’s something that probably happened in the last few weeks," she commented regarding her forehand. "It’s not something that I really wanted to happen, so I need to kind of look at that and shorten it, because I feel like it’s good in certain conditions when it’s a little bit slower. But on these very quick courts it doesn’t really work, so I need to adjust that."
Looking Ahead to New Challenges
As Raducanu prepares for her next competitive outing, she will do so without a permanent coach in place. Her schedule includes participation in the Transylvania Open in Cluj, Romania, a tournament of personal significance as it takes place in her father's home country. For this event, she will be accompanied by LTA coach Alexis Canter, providing temporary support as she navigates this transitional period.
The ongoing search for coaching stability remains a central focus for Raducanu as she aims to rebuild her form and address the technical aspects of her game that have recently faltered. With her talent undeniable and her determination clear, the tennis world watches with interest to see who will next guide the career of this exceptional British athlete.
