Emma Raducanu has expressed that she is not in a hurry to secure a new long-term coach following her recent split earlier this year. Raducanu decided to part ways with Francisco Roig after the Australian Open, opting for a change in coaching strategy.
Roig was the ninth coach and seventh full-time coach to be let go by Raducanu during her career. The 2021 US Open champion made the decision to part with Roig, who had previously worked with Rafael Nadal for 18 years, due to differing views on her playing style.
Since January, Raducanu has been collaborating with her hitting partner, Alexis Canter, and is content with the current setup as she prepares for the Indian Wells tournament in California, where she is set to face Anastasia Zakharova in the opening round.
The 23-year-old has previously worked with a lineup of coaches including Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, Sebastian Sachs, Nick Cavaday, Vladimir Platenik, Mark Petchey, and Roig. While Raducanu continues to work with Petchey on a daily basis, the 55-year-old’s broadcasting commitments with the Tennis Channel prevent him from being available full-time.
Speaking to BBC Sport in California, Raducanu shared, “Right now, it’s more about rediscovering my instincts and reconnecting with myself. I’ve had numerous people advising me on how to play, but it hasn’t always aligned with my natural style.” She expressed her desire to return to her innate playing approach, acknowledging that it may take time to relearn due to past coaching influences.
Raducanu emphasized her openness to coaching but expressed reservations about having a single coach dictating her game. She highlighted the importance of finding a coach who complements her style rather than feeling pressured to conform to their methods. Currently, she finds Alexis to be a good fit but is open to seeking guidance from various sources.
Reflecting on her experience working with Petchey at Wimbledon, Raducanu praised his impact, stating, “He’s been everything to me in recent months. I’ve valued his guidance both on and off the court.” She recalled a significant moment during a hike in Los Angeles where they had a profound conversation that led to personal reflections.
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