It’s a job at the very top of the tennis world – but it doesn’t come with a great deal of security.

Emma Raducanu is looking for a coach – having waved goodbye to the ninth person to hold that post.

The 23-year-old British number one yesterday dispensed with the services of the man who helped transform Rafael Nadal into a title-winning machine after just six months.

Ever since Ms Raducanu exploded on to the scene with her September 2021 US Open triumph, she has struggled to build the steady, long-term set-up most top players rely on.

Tonight she announced she was parting ways with Francis Roig after less than six months together, shortly after agreeing to extend their partnership for another year. 

The writing was on the wall after her second-round exit from Australian Open last week where she confessed she wanted to be ‘playing in a different way’.

Roig was in the player’s box of fellow Spaniard Nadal for nearly 17 years as he hoovered up titles in an era of greats alongside Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Sir Andy Murray. 

Announcing her decision on Instagram, Ms Raducanu shared a picture of herself with Roig on the golf course.

Emma Raducanu is looking for a coach – having waved goodbye to the ninth person to hold that post

Ms Raducanu with her coach Francisco Roig. Tonight Ms Raducanu announced she was parting ways with Mr Roig after less than six months together

It was captioned: ‘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 shared 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 shared time.’

Ms Raducanu’s camp insists the decision was mutual and that ‘their highly respected relationship’ ended on ‘good terms’. 

In the four years since she won the US Open, Ms Raducanu has secured sponsorship deals with the likes of Porsche, Dior and Tiffany but her career has been complicated by injuries as well as coaching changes.