Four-time Grand Slam thinks Emma Raducanu has ‘panicked’ in latest surprise career move

Feb 5, 2026 - 16:15

Tennis legend Kim Clijsters has suggested Emma Raducanu needs to have more patience to be successful.

Emma Raducanu revealed she had parted ways with another tennis coach, the ninth one since 2021, and is on the hunt for a tenth after early Australian Open exit.

Emma Raducanu won in a straight-set victory over Kaja Kuvan in the Transylvania Open[/caption]

The British number one exited the competition after losing in the second round down under to Austria’s Anastasia Potapova in straight set wins.

As she departed the competition, she said: “I want to be playing a different way. I just want to hit the ball to the corners and hard.”

“I feel like I’m doing all this variety, and it’s not doing what I want it to do. I need to work on playing in a way similar to how I was playing when I was younger.”

The ex-coach, Francisco Roig came with a fierce reputation having trained Rafael Nadal for 16 out of his 22 Grand Slam titles.

Since her breakthrough Wimbledon in 2021 with Nigel Sears to winning her first and only Grand Slam with Andrew Richardson, it’s clear Raducanu has not found the right fit.

Four time grand slam winner Clijsters found the youngster’s decision confusing and rash.

“When I hear those kinds of things, I am curious to know who makes those decisions. Is it her? Her agent? Her father? There are many things that intrigue me in that situation. Who makes her panic so quickly?”

“Because she has had very good coaches she has worked with in the past, coaches who take their time and understand that developing and adjusting technique and tactical gameplay takes time.”

In September 2021, Raducanu ended Britain’s 44-year wait for a women’s Grand Slam singles champion, as she won the US Open at only 18-years-old.

Since this achievement, no tournaments have lived up to that performance Stateside.

Emma Raducanu celebrating her first round win at the Australian Open — Raducanu’s historic Grand Slam win was the first time a qualifier in the Open Era had gone on to win a title.

Additionally, injuries have defined her career, with the tennis star having to have surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle over recent years.

Clijsters raises the suggestion of balance and patience in her life.

She said: “I think it would be good for her to learn to strive and find someone she really connects with.”

“Then work hard to build a longer-lasting coaching relationship and have that long-term approach in mind, or for whoever makes that decision to have it.”

“It takes time for a coach to do their job, right? And it’s about finding the balance between giving time to trust the coach and giving time for the effects a coach can have”

The separation seemed amicable with Raducanu posting to social media to thank Roig for all the help and support he’s provided in the last five months.

Kim Clijsters won the Australian Open in 2011, and the US Open three times (2005, 2009, 2010)

She said: “Francis, Thank you for our time together. You have been more than a coach to me and I will cherish the many good times we spent together on and off the court.”

“While we have come to the conclusion together that we ought not to move forward, please know that I am very grateful for all you have taught me and fond of our time shared.”