Francisco Roig trains with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard ahead of Masters tournament
Spanish coach Francisco Roig, known for his past work with Rafael Nadal, has been seen training with French tennis player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at Indian Wells in the lead-up to the prestigious Masters tournament, reports BritPanorama.
This development follows Roig’s recent departure from his role with British player Emma Raducanu, which lasted just half a year. The brief collaboration came to a close after the Australian Open, with Raducanu citing gratitude for their time together despite the split.
Mpetshi Perricard’s association with Roig marks a potential shift in his coaching strategy, coming after he severed ties with Emmanuel Planque earlier this month. Roig’s previous coaching role on the men’s tour was with Italian player Matteo Berrettini, which ended after ten months over 2023 and 2024.
The current circumstances for Mpetshi Perricard are quite challenging; his ranking has fallen from a career-high of 29th to 56th in the world over the past year. His 2026 season has been particularly tough, featuring first-round exits in four tournaments, including the Australian Open and Qatar Open.
After parting ways with Roig, Raducanu has invited Mark Petchey back to her coaching setup, suggesting a return to a familiar framework. Despite the transitional nature of Raducanu’s coaching arrangements, she has consistently managed to position herself at 24th in the world rankings.
While Roig and Raducanu reportedly maintained a positive rapport, their differing perspectives on her game development contributed to the decision to move on. This discontinuity reflects the complex dynamics often present in professional tennis, showcasing the need for both players and coaches to align on strategic goals.
As Roig takes to the courts with Mpetshi Perricard, he brings a wealth of experience and insight, underscoring the continuous evolution within the sport—where coaching changes can be pivotal in navigating the relentless demands of competitive tennis.
