Emma Raducanu’s lead-up to the Australian Open hasn’t exactly been smooth, but she still has plenty of reasons to feel confident heading into Melbourne.
Her 2025 season already showed what she’s capable of, pushing world number one Aryna Sabalenka close on two big occasions.
Still, falling just short in both matches highlights the gap that still exists. That’s something Francisco Roig will be looking to address as he tries to help her take the next step forward.
Raducanu has dealt with a lot of turnover in her coaching team over the years, which hasn’t made things any easier for her development.
With Roig now firmly in place, there’s hope she can finally start building some stability. Laura Robson seems optimistic about what they can achieve together.
Laura Robson backs Emma Raducanu’s partnership with Francisco Roig
Speaking to The Express, Robson offered her thoughts on the dynamic between Raducanu and Roig, pointing out what she sees as a strong working relationship.
“They definitely get on really well,” she said. “There were a couple of team lunches and he was always making fun of how many cups of tea the British players were drinking every day.”
Robson continued: “He’s got a great sense of humour and they just get on. They’ve got very similar tennis brains, I would say. They both enjoy diving into the tactics, quite technical as well.”
She went on to highlight their shared approach to the game: “I think she likes that they have that mutual respect and conversation.”
Looking ahead, Robson said: “I can see it lasting for hopefully a good while and I’m sure she feels the same.”
During Raducanu’s recent defeat, Roig was heard giving one clear piece of advice from the sidelines. How quickly that message takes hold could shape her early run in Melbourne.
Emma Raducanu’s Australian Open chances assessed by Mats Wilander
There is another potential third-round meeting with Sabalenka on the horizon, and there are not too many people backing Raducanu to make much of an impact at this year’s Australian Open.
And speaking to TNT Sports, Mats Wilander was clear in his view of where the 22-year-old currently stands.
“I don’t expect Emma Raducanu’s game to be good enough where she can get to the quarters, semis or final because I don’t think her game is good enough, and I don’t think the preparation is there.
“I think she has the talent. I think technically she has the shots. I think the serve technically is good enough. I think in the future, she can be competing with the best players in the world, but she’s not there.”
However, he did express confidence in Roig’s ability to help Raducanu develop over time: “I think Francisco Roig understands tennis as good as any person that I’ve ever met in my life, and if not, the best. So he really understands the game. He understands technique. He understands tactics.
“She doesn’t need one word to change her tennis around. She needs a whole book to read out of. And Francisco can write that book for her, and it can really help her.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
