Emma Raducanu disclosed the reasons behind her decision to part ways with coach Francisco Roig earlier this year, just before reuniting with Mark Petchey for the Indian Wells tournament. The British tennis star, currently ranked world No. 24, ended her six-month coaching relationship with Roig in January following a lackluster start to her 2026 season, which included an early exit from the Australian Open.
Raducanu began working with the Spaniard, a former member of Rafael Nadal’s coaching team, in the summer of 2025. Although the initial phase of their collaboration showed promise, fitness issues affected her performance late in the previous year, carrying over into the new season with less-than-ideal results.
Details on the Coaching Split and Current Coaching Situation
Roig has since returned to coaching, appearing this week alongside Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at Indian Wells. Speaking candidly with Sky Sports News, Raducanu said their separation came through mutual understanding and honest dialogue.
“After Australia, me and Francis were talking. We have a great relationship, we could have a really open and honest conversation.
“He ended up saying: ‘Look, I don’t think this is going in the way we both want it to’ — so he ended it really.
In a way I think we had a few moments where we weren’t agreeing on a few things. Other than that we still maintain a great relationship and I’ve seen him here, it’s been great to a see a familiar, great face around.” – Emma Raducanu
Following the split with Roig, Raducanu briefly worked under Alexis Canter’s guidance. Under Canter, she reached the final of the Transylvania Open but was later hindered by illness during a disappointing Middle East tour.
Reconnecting with Mark Petchey for Indian Wells
Raducanu has now reunited with long-time trusted coach Mark Petchey for her Indian Wells campaign. Petchey first coached her during her teenage years and had returned to work with her at various times during 2025, including after her previous parting with coach Nick Cavaday.
Since Petchey was already in the United States for his broadcasting duties, it made sense for Raducanu to ask him to join her early in Indian Wells to work on the court and help her regain confidence in her game.
“Mark was going to be here anyway for commentating and I’ve been working with Alexis who has been helping me so much,”
“With Mark I knew he’d be in Indian Wells so I asked him to come out a few days earlier just to do some stuff with me on the court and try to feel back in a better way with my game.
At the start of the year I didn’t feel too good but the last few days I’ve been feeling better. It’s not something that has really been organised going forward but I knew he would be here and it’s been great, I always love being on court with him.” – Emma Raducanu
Upcoming Challenges and Expectations at Indian Wells
Following three consecutive losses, Raducanu is eager to return to winning ways at this WTA 1000 event. As the 25th seed, she earned a first-round bye and will face world No. 86 Anastasia Zakharova in the second round. If successful, a matchup with sixth seed and close friend Amanda Anisimova could follow in round three.
Emma Raducanu’s coach split with Francisco Roig marks a pivotal moment in her ongoing career, reflecting her desire to maintain a coaching environment that best supports her growth. Her reunion with Mark Petchey, a familiar figure who has played a key role over the years, suggests a focus on stability and trust as she navigates a crucial phase of the 2026 season.
