"Francisco wouldn’t join Emma’s team if he didn’t think she could go deep into the second week" - Rusedski predicts bright future between Raducanu and coach Roig

Emma Raducanu has been notorious in the past for chopping and changing coaches. She has had a handful of coaches in her camp during her spell on the WTA Tour, with Francisco Roig the latest to come in and aid her. Former British number one Greg Rusedski explained the importance of having a positive player-coach relationship and why he has high hopes for Raducanu in the future.

Rusedski believes that the constant change of coaches for Raducanu stunted her development in the sport, but in a different situation. "It usually is, yes. But I think Emma’s situation was a little bit different," he said on Off Court with Greg. "All of a sudden, she wins a Slam at 18."

He spoke on the unique nature of that title triumph. "Nobody had done that in their first three majors apart from a handful of number ones — I think Steffi Graf, Jennifer Capriati, Chris Evert, and maybe Monica Seles — getting past the fourth round in each of their first three majors. Then she goes on to win the US Open," he explained. "So everyone’s thinking: ok, Emma Raducanu can be world number one. She can win multiple majors. She can be the new face of the WTA. And then she didn’t have the consistency."

A change seems to be coming, with Roig looking to work his magic with Raducanu. She has had a consistent 2025 which has brought her back into the top 32, a huge boost when it comes to being seeded at Grand Slams. However, she is still without a title or even final appearance since the 2021 US Open.

Rusedski backed Roig, and believes the British number one is in good form. "Now, with Francisco Roig — who’s worked with Rafael Nadal and is a coach I’ve worked with — I think she’s finally got that solidity behind her," he said. "I thought she played a pretty good opening match in the United Cup, even though she lost. She looked in good form."

There have been fitness concerns over Raducanu for pretty much her whole career, but this has looked to sorted itself out to an extent. "If she’s physically in shape, I think she’s trending in the right direction," Rusedski admitted. "She’s a top-30 player now, and I think that partnership is going to last because the communication is good. He’s got the T-shirt, he’s a strong character, and he knows what he wants from her game."

Roig is a great coup for Raducanu, but the question remains why the Spaniard would take the job. "Francisco wouldn’t join Emma’s team if he didn’t think she could go deep into the second week, reach semifinals, finals, or even win. So I’m excited about that partnership and hopeful it will be successful long-term," exclaimed Rusedski, showering a heap of expectancy and hope onto the shoulders of the 23-year-old. He will be paying close attention to her at the current Hobart International and the upcoming Australian Open.

ATP and WTA tennis is brutal. Players can see themselves slide down the rankings after a barren spell of results, with momentum very crucial. Some players are quick to lose faith in personnel as they act drastically to keep their fleeting tennis dreams alive. That is why it is hugely important for players and coaches to get off on the front foot.

"It’s all about communication," Rusedski stated. "If I apply to work with a player, I’ll write a full brief of what I think they need to improve and show them the data. Some players like that level of detail, others don’t, but it shows you’re invested. Usually there’s an initial conversation through the agent, then discussions about improvement areas, and then a trial week."

He went on to divulge how important this trial would be. "That trial week — or even two weeks — is crucial. You see if you gel, if you’re improving together. When I worked with Vika Azarenka, we had a trial week before Wimbledon. I could see improvements in transition, serve, and adding dimensions. Unfortunately, she got injured heading into Wimbledon. You’re talking about small tweaks, not major technical changes mid-season. The key question is: Do you believe this person is going to make you better?"

Rusedski brought up a contrasting example to Raducanu in the form of four-time Grand Slam champion Jannik Sinner. He has had Darren Cahill by his side since 2022, with him overlooking Sinner's progress to the top of the sport. A big factor in this partnership is due to Sinner's personality, as Rusedski describes.

"Because they know themselves so well. Look at Jannik Sinner — nothing bothers him. You can say whatever you want about him, but he’ll say, I don’t take information from anyone I don’t respect or trust. That’s why he’s so good. The best players really know themselves."

It can also be a risk to change coaches, with the former world number four highlighting the mental aspects involved. "It’s massive. Slam tennis is so mental. Mindset is everything," he said. "The margins are tiny. When players move from coach to coach, there’s usually a lot behind it mentally."