Nigel Sears coached Raducanu at her first Wimbledon before she earned US Open success with Andrew Richardson. The 23-year-old has worked alongside Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov, Sebastian Sachs, Nick Cavaday, Vladimir Platenik, Mark Petchey and Roig since then.
Clijsters has questioned who is at the centre of the coaching decisions, and suggested that it takes time to develop under a coach. The Belgian, 42, believes Raducanu has employed some top talent in a bid to improve her game and appears to think the young star must persist with an option to kick on in her career.
Clijsters said: “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 these decisions for her? 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. Working on that takes time.”
Clijsters reckons Raducanu must find a balance to continue her development to build a long-lasting connection.
“I think it would be good for her to learn to strive and find someone she really connects with, and 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,” she added.
“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”
Raducanu paid a nice tribute to her most recent coaching partner, Roig, upon announcing their parting of ways. The world No.30 highlighted a strong connection away from the practice court.
“Francis, Thank you for our time together” she said. “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.”