INDIAN WELLS, CA – Emma Raducanu is once again navigating a period of transition, but this time, the 24-year-old is openly discussing the factors that have contributed to a revolving door of coaches throughout her young career. Following a recent split with Spanish coach Francis Roig after just six months, Raducanu revealed a frustration with being over-coached and a desire to rediscover her instinctive playing style.
The 2021 US Open champion, currently ranked 24th in the world, spoke candidly to the BBC ahead of her campaign at Indian Wells, expressing a need to step back from constant instruction. “I’ve had a lot of people telling me what to do, how to play, and that doesn’t necessarily operate,” Raducanu said. “I want to get back to my natural way of playing. It’s taking me time to rediscover it, since it’s something I’ve been un-trained from.”
This latest coaching change marks yet another chapter in a pattern of instability for Raducanu. Since bursting onto the scene with a remarkable run to the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2021 and then winning the US Open as a qualifier, she has worked with a succession of coaches: Andrew Richardson, Nigel Sears, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, Sebastian Sachs, Vladimir Platenik, Mark Petchey, and now Francis Roig. The Spaniard, known for his long-standing collaboration with Rafael Nadal, joined Raducanu’s team last summer, but the partnership failed to yield the desired results. Raducanu lost to Anastasia Potapova in the second round of the Australian Open, which proved to be their final tournament together.
The frequent changes in coaching staff have raised questions about Raducanu’s ability to build a long-term, stable team. Yet, the player herself suggests that the issue isn’t necessarily a lack of quality coaching, but rather a misalignment between external guidance and her own instincts. She expressed reluctance to immediately hire another coach, fearing a repeat of the same dynamic. “I don’t want to have another coach now because I feel like they’re going to doubt me from the first moment, even if it’s just as a trial,” she explained. “I might feel the pressure of having to stick with them, even if it’s not necessarily the right option. I’d rather not have someone come and tell me ‘do this’ and I disagree with it, but have to listen.”
Raducanu’s comments suggest a desire for greater autonomy and a return to the free-flowing style that characterized her stunning US Open triumph. She acknowledges that this process will take time and effort, but she is determined to rediscover the game that brought her major success. The player is also open to exploring alternative support structures, potentially seeking guidance from experienced figures in the stands rather than a traditional coach-player relationship.
The physical challenges Raducanu has faced since her US Open victory have undoubtedly contributed to the coaching instability. Multiple surgeries in 2023 limited her playing schedule and disrupted her training, making it difficult to establish a consistent rhythm and build rapport with coaches. The BBC reported that her limited calendar during this recovery period played a role in the short tenure with Roig.
This situation presents a unique challenge for Raducanu as she attempts to regain her form and consistency. Even as many players benefit from a long-term coaching relationship, Raducanu appears to be seeking a different path – one that prioritizes her own intuition and allows her to play with greater freedom. Her debut at Indian Wells will be against Anastasia Zakharova, and a potential second-round matchup with Amanda Anisimova looms. The tournament will provide a crucial test of her resolve and a platform to demonstrate her evolving approach to the game.
The search for the right formula continues for Raducanu, a player who captivated the tennis world with her unexpected success in New York. Her willingness to openly address the challenges she’s faced and her determination to rediscover her “natural” game signal a new chapter in her career, one defined by self-discovery and a commitment to playing tennis on her own terms.
Raducanu’s journey is a reminder that even the most talented athletes sometimes need to step back and reassess their approach. Her honesty and vulnerability resonate with fans and offer a glimpse behind the scenes of the pressures faced by professional tennis players. The coming months will be critical as she navigates this period of transition and strives to return to the top of the game.
Her first-round match against Zakharova is scheduled for March 5, 2026, at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The WTA 1000 event is being broadcast live on Disney+ Plan Premium.
