Emma Raducanu plans to hire a fitness instructor in an effort to get over her injury problems.

Emma Raducanu has confirmed she’s in discussions to bring a highly regarded fitness coach onto her team as she aims for a strong comeback following her latest injury. The former US Open champion is set to play for Great Britain in their Billie Jean King Cup Finals match against Germany on Friday in Malaga, marking her return after nearly two months sidelined due to a foot injury sustained at the Korea Open.

This season, Raducanu has climbed over 200 spots in the rankings after recovering from surgeries on both wrists and an ankle, despite competing in fewer tournaments than almost anyone in the top 60 and only three events since Wimbledon. Raducanu revealed she’s close to finalizing a deal with fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, who previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, signaling her commitment to enhancing her physical fitness.

“My goal next year is to spend more time on the court,” Raducanu said, explaining that her previous decision to avoid hiring a full-time fitness trainer stemmed from wanting a smaller team, relying instead on the Lawn Tennis Association’s staff. “This year, I reached the top 60 despite playing fewer than 15 events. I know that if I stay healthy and on the court, I can climb even higher.”

She added, “I believe my athleticism is a strength, but there’s still so much potential. I’m ready to commit to improving physically.”

While it’s the offseason for many players, Raducanu is focused on building momentum, training hard with an eye on next year. “For me, it’s just the start. I’m not looking for more time off,” she said, eager to contribute to Britain’s hopes in the tournament.

Raducanu’s return boosts Britain’s chances of advancing to a quarter-final matchup with defending champions Canada on Sunday. She played a key role in April when Great Britain achieved an upset victory over France, earning a place at the Finals through merit for the first time in the current format. Two years ago, Britain reached the semi-finals without Raducanu, but only after receiving a wild card as host nation.

Although rain and flooding delayed the start of the event in Malaga, there was no damage to the venue. Teams faced restrictions on practice due to the venue lockdown, resulting in an unusual 22nd birthday for Raducanu. “My team made a big effort to make it special,” she said, mentioning the banners, cake, and balloons they prepared.

Captain Anne Keothavong has Britain’s top team available, led by Katie Boulter in the number one spot, with Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, and doubles specialist Olivia Nicholls completing the lineup. Boulter, who had struggled since the grass-court season, regained form with strong performances in Asia, reaching the semi-finals in Tokyo and the final in Hong Kong, which boosted her into the top 25 for the first time.

Germany’s team is led by Laura Siegemund, currently ranked 84th and known for her doubles skills, though Britain will enter as the favored side. “I’m glad to have our strongest team here,” said Keothavong. “I truly believe we have a team that can win this competition.”