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British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu is embarking on an intensive training regimen for the 2026 season, aiming to cultivate a more robust foundational game that will allow her to command matches and diminish concerns about her opponents’ strengths. The world number 29 has recently commenced a month-long pre-season camp in Barcelona with her new coach, Francisco Roig.
Prior to her arrival in Spain, Raducanu’s training in London focused primarily on gym work. This period was crucial for her recovery from light bone bruising in her right foot, an injury that forced the 2021 US Open champion to withdraw from two exhibition events in the United States. Despite this minor setback, the 23-year-old expressed confidence, having completed 50 matches in 2025, marking a career-first milestone.
Millenium TV has learned that Raducanu and Roig have committed to working together throughout the upcoming year. Roig, renowned for his pivotal role in Rafael Nadal’s team during all 22 of his Grand Slam victories, brings a wealth of experience. Raducanu elaborated on Roig’s philosophy, stating, “He wants me to focus a lot more on building a better Emma Raducanu and a better base level. It’s something that I don’t think I’ve necessarily done before. I’ve always been more tactical, more just having to exploit their weaknesses if they have any, and trying to be very crafty. And it works. But the ideal is that you don’t have to necessarily think too much about the other players – you can just go and execute your game and know that you can win.” She further explained, “He’s trying to build a better quality, not necessarily by changing my physiological capacities, but by using better technique, better timing and better movement. I think being able to dictate the game a lot more is a goal of mine, so I don’t necessarily have to run as much.”
Adding to her revamped support system, Emma Stewart has joined the team as physiotherapist and will initially oversee Raducanu’s strength and conditioning program. Raducanu has a pre-existing professional relationship with Stewart, who previously served as a physio for the Women’s Tennis Association and has also worked with British Rowing. “I did some work with her in Madrid in 2022 and she really helped me with my back at the time,” Raducanu revealed to Millenium TV. “In rowing, you see a lot of hip and back issues, and I’ve notoriously had a lot of problems with my back. She knows how to treat it, and certain flare-ups I’ve had, she’s helped me with.” Raducanu also noted the positive impact of having another female on her team, adding, “She’s very thorough. When you’re in the gym doing a certain exercise, she knows my body’s weaknesses. She knows where I’m a little bit prone to picking up injuries, and how to strengthen those areas.”
Looking back at 2025, Raducanu expressed satisfaction with having played 22 tournaments across nine months. Despite concluding her season prematurely due to illness and the aforementioned foot issue, she believes she has demonstrated her capacity to handle such a demanding schedule both physically and mentally.
Addressing the often-debated length of the tennis season, Raducanu offered a unique perspective. While acknowledging it presents a “challenge,” she believes it’s unproductive for top players to “moan about the calendar,” particularly given the significant financial rewards the sport offers. “It’s not all glamorous,” she conceded. “There are definitely times when it’s difficult and we are flagging mentally, physically, and everything hurts. But at the same time what are we going to do about it? I am sure there are certain people who go to work and their bosses make them do something – it’s their job.” She emphasized the importance of setting a positive example: “If we put up a front that isn’t complaining, I think that is a better example to people watching, who we are trying to get into tennis – younger people. If they see all the top players moaning about the calendar, I don’t think that’s necessarily inspiring to look up to.”
Raducanu is set to kick off her 2026 campaign at the United Cup team competition in Perth this January.
© Millenium TV
