Emma Raducanu is in discussions with Maria Sharapova’s former fitness trainer in a bid to overcome her persistent injury struggles.

The 21-year-old wants to bolster her team for next season and has sounded out Yutaka Nakamura as a key figure to help bring an end to her injury woes.

Nakamura is viewed as a highly respected physical trainer having worked closely with both Sharapova and Naomi Osaka.

According to The Telegraph, the move would see Nakamura take up a full-time role with the 2021 US Open champion.

It would prove to be a statement of intent from Raducanu who has come under fire for a ‘lack of investment’ in her tennis.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has been one of the disconcerting voices and advised Raducanu to put her career first.

“I think Emma needs to take ownership of herself, of her brand, and of her tennis career most of all,” Navratilova said in September. “She needs to be clear who her team is, what her goal is and not let herself off the hook.

“Emma needs to be in charge and she’s old enough to know what she should be doing – surround herself with good people and then trust in them, and give it time so that you can see the results.”

Raducanu has posted a much-improved season which saw her world ranking jump from No 301 at the beginning of the year to No 58.

However, niggling injuries continue to hamper her progress. Most recently she sustained a sprained foot ligament injury in Asia and was forced to return home having played just one of four scheduled tournaments.

The Telegraph also revealed that Raducanu’s lack of build-up matches ahead of this year’s US Open were due to an abdominal strain that she suffered in early August.

The injury is believed to be due to a locum fitness trainer setting up her training machine at an unexpectedly high weight.

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Since her stunning victory at Flushing Meadow, Raducanu has struggled with continuity in her coaching team.

In 2021, she worked alongside Will Herbert, a physio and a fitness trainer who now works with Jack Draper.

The following year Raducanu appointed Andy Murray’s former trainer Jez Green however his commitments to Dominic Thiem meant the Brit was unable to fully reap the benefits of his expertise.

The potential appointment of Nakamura would be a step in the right direction for Raducanu who finally appears to have a settled team by her side.

Childhood coach Nick Cavaday is working alongside her while mentor Jane O’Donoghue has flown out to join Raducanu at several tournaments for extra support.