Emma Raducanu’s tennis journey continues to be one of the sport’s most compelling narratives, and as the 2026 season dawns, all eyes are once again on the British sensation. Since her meteoric rise at the 2021 US Open, where she stunned the world by clinching the title as a qualifier, Raducanu has faced a whirlwind of expectations, scrutiny, and change. With the Australian Open just around the corner, the young star is hoping that a new chapter—guided by the experienced hand of coach Francisco Roig—will mark her return to the WTA elite.
It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Raducanu since that unforgettable night in New York. The pressure that followed her breakthrough was immense. Former British player Greg Rusedski put it plainly: “Overnight, she wins a Grand Slam. Everyone thought she could become world number one, win multiple Grand Slams, be the face of the WTA.” Such lofty expectations can be a heavy burden, and Raducanu’s subsequent seasons have been marked by a search for consistency and stability—especially when it comes to her coaching team.
Critics have not been shy about pointing out her frequent changes in coaches. Some see it as a lack of direction, while others believe it’s a natural consequence of a young athlete finding her way. Rusedski, however, offers a more nuanced perspective. “Generally, changing coaches frequently hinders a career. But Emma’s case is different. She didn’t have time to build before being thrust to the top,” he explained. According to Rusedski, the situation is unique—Raducanu’s rise was so sudden that she never had the chance to develop a steady foundation before being catapulted into the sport’s spotlight.
Now, though, there’s a sense that things are shifting. Last summer, Raducanu began a long-term project with Francisco Roig, a coach whose résumé speaks for itself. Roig spent years working alongside Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, and brings a wealth of experience and tactical knowledge to Raducanu’s camp. The decision to partner with Roig wasn’t made lightly. As Rusedski noted, “Francisco is a strong character and wouldn’t join Emma’s team unless he thought she could get deep into the second week of Slams and possibly win.”
Roig’s arrival signals a new approach for Raducanu—one focused on patience, communication, and incremental improvements rather than sweeping overhauls. “For Emma, these are adjustments, not major technical changes,” Rusedski pointed out. The goal is to build a solid foundation, one step at a time, with an eye on long-term success rather than immediate results. Roig’s belief in Raducanu’s potential is clear: he wouldn’t have taken the job if he didn’t see a future filled with semifinal and final appearances, perhaps even more Grand Slam titles.
The early tests of this new partnership are already underway. Raducanu kicked off her 2026 campaign at the United Cup in Australia, a team competition that set the tone for the season. Facing the formidable Maria Sakkari of Greece, Raducanu put up a spirited fight but ultimately lost in three sets. While the defeat stung, her performance hinted at growing confidence and resilience—qualities that will be crucial as the season progresses.
Next up is the Hobart International, where Raducanu enters as the number one seed. It’s a prime opportunity for her to string together wins, build momentum, and sharpen her game ahead of the Australian Open, which begins on January 18 at Melbourne Park. The Hobart tournament is more than just a warm-up; it’s a barometer for Raducanu’s mental toughness and her ability to translate hard work on the practice court into match victories.
“She didn’t have the consistency, but now with Francisco Roig, a coach I’ve actually worked with, I think she has that solidity behind her,” Rusedski told Tennis365. The endorsement from a former ATP ace who knows both Raducanu and Roig carries weight. Rusedski’s excitement about the partnership is palpable: “I’m excited about this partnership, and I’m hoping they will continue for a long period of time and be very successful.”
Raducanu’s journey back to the top isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about rediscovering the joy of competition, learning from setbacks, and embracing the process. The tennis world is watching closely to see how she handles the spotlight this time around. Will the collaboration with Roig be the stabilizing force she needs? The answer will unfold over the coming weeks and months, but the early signs are promising.
Beyond the technical and tactical adjustments, there’s also a renewed emphasis on communication and trust within Raducanu’s team. The best players, Rusedski observed, “know themselves perfectly” and surround themselves with people they respect and believe in. That’s the dynamic Raducanu and Roig are striving to create—a partnership built on mutual respect, open dialogue, and shared ambition.
As the Hobart International gets underway, Raducanu’s status as the top seed brings both opportunity and pressure. Every opponent will be eager to claim a scalp, and every match will be a test of her newfound stability. But with Roig in her corner, there’s a sense that Raducanu is no longer moving blindly through the tour. She has a plan, a mentor with Grand Slam pedigree, and a clear set of goals for the 2026 season.
The Australian Open looms large on the horizon, and Raducanu is determined to showcase her best tennis on one of the sport’s biggest stages. The draw will be tough, the conditions demanding, and the competition fierce. But if Raducanu can harness the lessons of the past and lean on Roig’s experience, there’s every reason to believe she can make a deep run.
For fans and pundits alike, the coming weeks promise no shortage of drama and intrigue. Will this be the year that Emma Raducanu puts it all together and reclaims her place among the WTA’s elite? The journey is just beginning, and the tennis world is watching—eager for answers, hopeful for another thrilling chapter in the Raducanu story.
As play continues in Hobart and anticipation builds for Melbourne, one thing is certain: with Francisco Roig by her side, Emma Raducanu is charting a new course, one step at a time, with the promise of greatness still very much alive.