Andy Murray believes Emma Raducanu would benefit from prioritising a strong fitness regime - after a latest setback ended the teenager's frustrating season.
Raducanu was forced to pull out of next week's Billie Jean King Cup in Glasgow with a right wrist injury that has stopped the British No.1 being able to hit. Its been a season derailed by fitness problems for Raducanu, who had her pre-season disrupted by Covid before suffering with blisters, back and other muscle issues.
She has recently enlisted the help of Murray 's former fitness coach Jez Green to oversee her training and recovery before a return to competitive action. And Murray believes a large time slot must be allocated to fitness if Raducanu is to deal with the rigours of the WTA Tour.
"I think with any coaching relationship, whether it's strength and conditioning or tennis, it's kind of making sure that you're spending enough time with that person to be able to really make a difference," Murray said.
"I think sometimes unless you really dedicate the time to it is kind of difficult to make a difference. So if they get to spend enough time together, I'm sure that that would be helpful for her. If it's not Jez, then a strength and conditioning coach full time I'm sure would be helpful.
"Trying to improve the physical side and avoid the niggles and injuries, and the best way to do that is to get stronger and have someone around you more consistently."
Raducanu stunned the sporting world by winning the US Open as a qualifier at Flushing Meadows last year, propelling her to stardom. The 19-year-old's progress in 2022 has been stifled by fitness problems, however, ending this season with a 17-19 negative record.
She had been named in captain Anne Keothavong's squad for the season-closing Glasgow finals from November 8-13, but will now focus on her recovery instead.
"It’s disappointing to get the news from the doctors that I won’t be ready in time, particularly with it being on home soil,” Raducanu said after being ruled out.
"I tried to do everything possible to get it ready in time, since my last tournament I’ve been working every day on physical training and rehab. I’ve got confidence in my teammates and look forward to playing next year. “
