After Emma Raducanu announced that she will continue working with Francisco Roig in 2026, Laura Robson has given an insight on their working relationship
Laura Robson has witnessed enough behind the scenes to believe Emma Raducanu is set for a strong 2026. The British No. 1 had aimed to string together a solid end to 2025 to secure herself a seeding at January’s Australian Open.
That target looks to have been met, as she concluded the campaign ranked 29th in the WTA standings, despite cutting her season short due to fitness issues during tournaments in China.
There are also positive developments on the coaching side, with the 22-year-old and respected Spaniard Francisco Roig agreeing terms to extend their partnership into 2026. Roig is among the most highly regarded coaches in tennis, having helped guide Rafael Nadal to his 22 Grand Slam victories.
Following a succession of coaching changes since her remarkable US Open victory in 2021, Robson is delighted to see Raducanu prolong her alliance with Roig.
The former British No. 1 has been heartened by what she’s observed from Raducanu and Roig during practice sessions, highlighting the excellent communication between the duo.
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Robson told Sky Sports: “I think at this point in her career, it helps to have that consistent voice. So just the fact they’re getting on really well and have the same kind of ideas for her game [in pleasing].
“From what I’ve seen on the practice courts, it’s like they’re gelling with the communication part. Then she’s going to have hopefully another great year. But again, we just hope that she stays healthy, that’s always the key.”
Raducanu’s season concluded on a disappointing note. She withdrew during the second set of her match against Ann Li in Wuhan last month with dizziness in sweltering conditions, later sharing a picture on social media of herself at a doctor’s surgery.
She said she felt better and opted to compete in the Ningbo Open the following week but was clearly not at full fitness and once again lost her opening match. Raducanu had been due to play in the following week’s Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo and then the Hong Kong Open but withdrew from both after deciding to focus on recovery.
Despite those issues, 2025 has been an improved year for Raducanu on the fitness front overall, giving Robson optimism for next year.
She said: “Raducanu was able to play week in, week out for the most part and lost a few close matches towards the end of the season.
“But overall, we’re ending 2025 just saying that she needs to be able to stay healthy and for the most part, she’s done that.
“That’s definitely been a key for her to rise up the rankings because I think we always knew that the level was there.”