Emma Raducanu must focus more on staying fit rather than beating her opponents, according to Laura Robson.
Robson believes the 21-year-old should just be pleased to be back out on the court after such a lengthy absence through injury.
Raducanu hasn’t played a Grand Slam since exiting last year’s Australian Open in the second round.
She underwent surgery on both hands and her left ankle last April and has only recently returned to action.
The 2021 US Open winner played at the ASB Classic in Auckland earlier this month, where she beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse before losing to second seed Elina Svitolina.
Raducanu will begin her Australian Open campaign against America’s Shelby Rogers early next week.
Robson knows all about playing through pain, having been forced to retire due to injury in 2022.
She is pleased to see Raducanu back out doing what she does best and believes she now has the right support staff around her.
Robson told Sky Sports: “I’m so happy to see Emma Raducanu back on court.
“I know how hard she’s been working over the last six, seven months and I just think she’s got some of that joy back of playing tennis the way she used to back in the day, when you first picked up a racket and you just want to crack the ball.
“That’s what she does best.
“I think you can tell from the smile on her face she’s absolutely gunning to be out there.
“She’s got the support of Ian Bates, who has done the majority of the work over the last few months with her, and then Nick Cavaday has come out here for extra support and a bit more guidance.
“I know she is big on doing a lot of the research herself before she faces someone, but it’s always handy to have someone with you.”
Robson claims 31-year-old Rogers will provide good competition for Raducanu in the tournament opener.
But she also does not think the Brit should worry too much about her results.
Robson added: “It’s a good test to play someone like Shelby Rogers who’s a fairly big hitter from the back of the court because Emma likes that power coming on to her and I was impressed with how she played in Auckland against Elina Svitolina.
“From what I’ve seen and heard of her practising in Melbourne, she’s striking the ball so cleanly, really trying to play it as aggressive as possible.
“Hopefully, that’s a good outcome.
“But at the same time the results almost don’t matter for her at the moment.
“It’s about getting back on court as much as possible in match situations and trying to stay as healthy as possible.”
Raducanu admitted recently that her matches in New Zealand took her a while to get over but says she is in a good place heading to Melbourne.
She said: “For a few days after the matches I was sore but I’ve bounced back from that and I’m feeling good now.
“I did a lot of good work in the off-season.
“But regardless of how good I may feel on the court on a particular day or in practice, getting that level of consistency is going to require more time.
“I’ve been doing the right work, doing it consistently. I just need to keep going more and more.”
