Raducanu Splits with Coach Francis Roig After Early Melbourne Exit

Raducanu Ends Partnership with Francis Roig After Australian Open Exit

Emma Raducanu has split with coach Francis Roig, just days after her second-round defeat at the 2026 Australian Open. The move marks yet another coaching change for the 23-year-old British star, who continues her search for long-term stability on the WTA Tour.

Raducanu was beaten in straight sets by Austria’s Anastasia Potapova, and later hinted at tactical disagreements regarding her playing style.

“I want to be playing a different way. I just want to hit the ball to the corners and hard,” Raducanu said after the match. “I feel like I’m doing all this variety, and it’s not doing what I want it to do.”

Mutual Decision to Split

Raducanu confirmed the coaching split on Instagram, thanking Roig for their work together since August 2025:

“You have been more than a coach to me… While we have come to the conclusion together that we ought not to move forward, please know I am very grateful.”

Roig, a former long-time coach of Rafael Nadal, helped the Spaniard win 16 Grand Slam titles. His experience had been seen as a valuable addition to Raducanu’s team. However, insiders told BBC Sport the pair were not fully aligned on playing philosophy and direction.

Tenth Coach in Five Years

Roig becomes the ninth coach to leave Raducanu’s team since her breakout in 2021. Her list of former coaches includes:

• Andrew Richardson, who coached her to the 2021 US Open title

• Nick Cavaday, her childhood mentor, who stepped down in 2025 due to health issues

• Brief tenures with Nigel Sears, Sebastian Sachs, Dmitry Tursunov, Mark Petchey, and Torben Beltz

The coaching carousel continues to raise questions about Raducanu’s long-term development and consistency on tour.

What’s Next for Raducanu?

Raducanu is scheduled to return to action at the Transylvania Open in Romania from 1–7 February 2026.

With another coach exit and public comments about playing identity, the next chapter of her career could be pivotal in redefining her path on the WTA circuit.