Emma Raducanu’s Revolving Door: Why Her Latest Split Has the Tennis World Talking
It feels like we’ve been here before, doesn’t it? The tennis world was buzzing this week with the news that Emma Raducanu has parted ways with yet another coach. This time, it’s Francisco Roig, the veteran Spanish coach famous for his long stint with Rafael Nadal.
If you’re keeping count, that makes eight coaches in just over four years. For fans who have followed her journey since that magical US Open run in 2021, this headline probably feels less like a shock and more like a recurring plot point in a drama that’s still finding its footing.
The Search For Stability Continues
Raducanu brought Roig on board back in August 2025, just ahead of the US Open. On paper, it looked like a solid move. Roig isn’t just any coach; he’s a man who spent years in the trenches with one of the greatest fighters the sport has ever seen. The hope was that his experience would bring some much-needed grit and stability to Raducanu’s game.
But six months later, the partnership is over. The split was confirmed in late January 2026, fresh off her second-round exit at the Australian Open.
For those watching her matches in Melbourne, the signs were there. After her loss, Raducanu didn’t just talk about forehands or backhands; she hinted at a philosophical mismatch. She spoke about wanting to return to her “earlier playing style”—the fearless, instinctive tennis that won her a Grand Slam as a teenager. It sounded like a player who felt she was being molded into something she wasn’t.
Why the Roig Split Matters
This isn’t just about one coach leaving. It’s about the pattern. Since lifting the trophy in New York, Raducanu has cycled through mentors like Torben Beltz, Sebastian Sachs, and Dmitry Tursunov. Each brought a different resume and a different approach, but none have stuck.
The split with Roig feels significant because he represented the “safe” choice—a proven entity known for discipline and tactical rigor. Moving on from him so quickly suggests that Raducanu isn’t just looking for a good coach; she is looking for a very specific feeling on court that she hasn’t been able to recapture.
Critics argue that this lack of continuity is stalling her growth. It’s hard to build a house when you keep tearing up the foundation every six months. But her supporters see it differently: they see a young woman refusing to settle for a setup that doesn’t feel right, even if it defies conventional wisdom.
What Raducanu Needs Right Now
So, where does she go from here? The Transylvania Open is right around the corner in February, and she’ll be heading there without a coach. The pressure is immense. Every time she steps on the court, the shadow of 2021 follows her. The “coaching carousel” narrative threatens to overshadow her actual tennis. But if there is one thing we know about Raducanu, it’s that she is resilient. She handles the press, the scrutiny, and the expectations with a poise that belies her age.
The tennis community is divided. Some experts believe she needs a tough love approach—someone to tell her to stick it out when things get hard. Others think she needs a mentor who nurtures her instincts rather than overhauling her technique.
The Road Ahead
The reality of professional tennis is that it is incredibly lonely. You are the one out there hitting the ball, and ultimately, you have to trust the voice in your head more than the voice in your box.
Raducanu’s decision to split with Roig might seem chaotic from the outside, but it could also be a sign of agency. She knows her body, she knows her game, and she knows when something isn’t working.
As she prepares for Romania, the questions remain. Will she hire a new coach immediately? Will she trial a few options? Or will she take some time to figure things out on her own?
One thing is certain: people will be watching. Not just to critique her coaching choices, but because when Emma Raducanu finds her rhythm, she is one of the most electric players to watch in the world. We’re all just waiting for the moment when everything clicks again. Until then, the carousel spins on.
FAQ SECTION
Q: What happened with Emma Raducanu’s coach?
A: She split with Francisco Roig after six months, following her Australian Open exit.
Q: Who is Francisco Roig?
A: A respected coach who previously worked with Rafael Nadal.
Q: Why is this news important?
A: Raducanu has now changed coaches eight times since 2021, raising concerns about her career stability.
Q: What are the next steps?
A: Raducanu will play at the Transylvania Open and is expected to announce a new coaching arrangement soon.
