'I've seen Emma Raducanu practice with Rafa Nadal's old coach and one thing struck me'

Laura Robson has seen enough behind the scenes to suggest Emma Raducanu is going to have a strong 2026. The British No.1 had hoped to put together a strong finish to 2025 to guarantee herself a seeding at the Australian Open in January.

That goal appears to be achieved, as she finished the season ranked 29th in the WTA rankings, despite ending her season early due to physical struggles during tournaments in China. There is also good news on the coaching front, with the 22-year-old and experienced Spaniard Francisco Roig reaching a deal to continue their work together in 2026. Roig is one of the most respected coaches in the game, having helped Rafael Nadal to his 22 Grand Slam titles.

After going through numerous coaches since her stunning US Open triumph in 2021, Robson is pleased to see Raducanu extend her relationship Roig. The former British No.1 has been encouraged by what she has seen from Raducanu and Roig on the practice courts, praising the communication between the pair.

"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]," Robson told Sky Sports.

"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 ended on a frustrating note. She retired during the second set of her clash against Ann Li in Wuhan last month with dizziness in hot and humid temperatures, later posting a picture on social media of herself at a doctor's office.

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She said she felt better and chose to play the Ningbo Open the following week but was clearly not 100 per cent and again lost her opening match. However, overall, 2025 has been a better year for Raducanu on the fitness front.

Robson 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."