Emma Raducanu has made a big move to solve her injury issues by hiring renowned fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura and now she has been given a glowing endorsement by a former Wimbledon champion.

Despite persistent injury issues in 2024, Raducanu rose over 200 places in the WTA Rankings and will end the year inside the top 60.

That is a fine effort given her lack of matches, with the second half of her season hugely impacted by her time nursing injuries.

Yet 1987 Wimbledon champion Cash has suggested the 22-year-old Brit should be optimistic heading into the new year, as he suggested the example of one of her namesakes should inspire her to believe she can make a big impact in 2025.

American Emma Navarro broke into the top ten of the WTA Rankings in recent months and Cash suggests Raducanu has more potential to shine than the 23-year-old New Yorker.

“It’s been interesting to watch her play. She has certainly got the talent to compete at the top level,” Cash told Tennis365 in his role as an ambassador for the Bank of China Hong Kong Open 2025.

“I was at Queen’s Club the other day and some highlights popped up on the TV of her winning the US Open and it was just phenomenal to remind yourself how good she is.

“She has had some issues with her forehand from time to time and maybe the stress of it all contributed to those injuries.

“She’s had half a decent year when he was able to play matches, but we have an opportunity here a player like Emma to come through.

“On both the men’s and women’s side of the draws, we have one or two players right at the top who have separated themselves, but there is a gap below that and players can come through to the latter stages of tournaments.

“We saw Navarro come through this year and Emma is definitely a better player than her. 

“Navarro is tough, tricky and competitive, but Raducanu has more to her game.

“You just have to hope Raducanu stays fit and can get matches under her belt because she certainly has the talent to do very well.”

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Raducanu has talked up her hopes for the new season and is heading to Australia on Thursday to start her preparation for the next Grand Slam, with two tournaments on her schedule before she heads to Melbourne.

She will take on a warm weather training block and will spend Christmas in Australia as she look to fully commit to the challenge that lies ahead.

“I had a bit of a different pre-season this year because I was injured earlier, and I did a lot of training,” said Raducanu.

“So I just want to get out in the heat a bit earlier. It makes sense to go all the way rather than go somewhere and then come back and then fly out again.”

“I feel really strong. I feel really fit. The only thing I can’t really speak for, is I haven’t played that many matches. So it’s different.

“On the training court I feel amazing. I feel like I’m running around, throwing myself around on the court, but it’s different playing matches.

“I played a few at Billie Jean King Cup, and I felt good. I felt like I recovered well. I wasn’t tiring in the matches.

“It would just be good to see as the level increases, and if I have to play more back-to-back, how I’m going to react.”