The new year goal of ‘building a better Emma Raducanu’

In 2026, Emma Raducanu hopes to improve her base level so she can play chess more frequently and not be so focused on her opponent’s weaknesses.

The British number one has only been training in Barcelona for one month with coach Francisco Roig.

The 2021 US Open champion recovering from light bone bruising in her right foot, which caused her to withdraw from two exhibitions in the United States, has primarily been a gym-based activity in London.

For the first time in her career, the world number 29 turned in 50 matches this season, and she is now anticipating what Roig can improve.

The 23-year-old said, “He wants me to concentrate much more on developing a better base level and Emma Raducanu.”

“I don’t believe I’ve ever done it before,” he said. I’ve always been more tactical, trying to use my own weaknesses when they have them, and being very careless.

“And it works,” he says. The ideal is, however, that you can simply go about playing your game and know you can win. You don’t have to think too much about other players.

He says, “He’s trying to improve my quality by using better technique, better timing, and better movement. Not necessarily by changing my physiological capacities.”

In January, Raducanu will begin the United Cup team competition in Perth in 2026.

She and Roig, who were Rafael Nadal’s team when he won all 22 of his Grand Slam victories, have agreed to collaborate for the duration of the following year.

In addition, Emma Stewart has joined the team for the first time. Raducanu’s strength and conditioning program will also be run by the physiotherapist, at least temporarily.

Stewart is best known to Raducanu from her time working as a physio at the Women’s Tennis Association. Since then, Stewart has worked with British Rowing.

She really helped me with my back in Madrid in 2022, Raducanu continued.

You notice a lot of hip and back issues while rowing, and I’ve a history of back issues. She is aware of how to handle it, and she has aided me in some flare-ups.

“It’s nice and probably different from what I’ve had before,” said the woman who will join the team.

She is “very thorough.” She is aware of my body’s weaknesses when I work out in the gym.

Due to being able to play 22 tournaments in nine months in 2025, Raducanu has gained a lot of confidence.

She had foot problems and illness that prevented her from playing her final two tournaments of the year, but she think she has shown herself that she can handle that kind of schedule both physically and mentally.

And in addition to many other players, Raducanu views the length of the tennis season differently.

She acknowledges it is a “challenge,” but believes it is unfavorable to see top players “moan about the calendar” because of the financial rewards the sport offers.

She continued, “It’s not all glamorous.”

There are times when things are difficult, we are mentally and physically ill, and everything hurts.

What will we do in the meantime, though? I’m sure there are some people who work and are made to do something by their bosses.

“I believe that if we put up a front that doesn’t complain, that will set the stage for our efforts to attract younger tennis players,” said one commentator.