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Cincinnati, OH – August 11, 2024 – In a important growth for her 2024 season, British tennis star Emma Raducanu has appointed Francis Roig as her new full-time coach, effective instantly.The announcement comes as Raducanu prepares for the Cincinnati Open, a crucial event in her bid to improve her WTA ranking and secure a seeded position at the upcoming US Open.
Raducanu, currently ranked No. 84 in the WTA rankings as of August 11,2024,has been seeking a consistent coaching presence following a period of working with various mentors.Her recent performances include a quarterfinal appearance at the Miami Open in march, a round-of-16 showing at the Italian Open, and reaching the quarterfinals at the inaugural women’s tournament at Queen’s Club in June. A third-round loss to world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon was followed by a strong semifinal run at the Citi Open in Washington D.C.
Roig brings a wealth of experience to raducanu’s team, having spent over 18 years working alongside Toni Nadal as part of Rafael Nadal‘s coaching setup. during that time, Nadal amassed 22 grand Slam titles.More recently,Roig served as a member of Matteo Berrettini’s support staff,contributing to the Italian’s success,including a Wimbledon final appearance in 2021.
The need for a dedicated coach was highlighted by tennis analyst Mark Petchey,who previously worked with andy Murray during the early stages of his career. Petchey indicated in July that Raducanu needed a long-term coaching solution to unlock her full potential and achieve consistent results on the tour.
Raducanu’s decision to partner with Roig signals a commitment to a more structured and experienced coaching habitat. She will continue to collaborate with Mark Petchey, but his role will shift to a consulting capacity, focusing on strategic analysis and match readiness.
The Cincinnati Open, running from August 12-18, 2024, at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, will be Raducanu’s first tournament with Roig at the helm. The tournament features a field including Iga Świątek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff, providing a challenging test for Raducanu as she aims to climb the rankings and improve her seeding prospects for the US Open, which begins August 26th in New York City.
