EMMA RADUCANU confirmed today she is in talks to add a renowned fitness trainer to her team as she bids to make a successful return from her latest injury lay-off.

The former US Open champion is expected to play the opening match for Great Britain on Friday in their Billie Jean King Cup Finals clash with Germany in Malaga.

It will be her first competitive outing for nearly two months since she strained ligaments in her foot during the Korea Open.

Raducanu has climbed more than 200 places in the rankings this year after sitting out most of last season following operations on both wrists and one ankle but has played fewer tournaments than almost anyone else in the top 60 and only three since Wimbledon.

She revealed a deal to hire fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, who previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, is not yet signed off, although talks are progressing, and said she is “ready to commit” to physical improvements.

“I think my goal next year is to stay on court longer,” said Raducanu, who had previously cited a desire to keep her team small as a reason for not hiring a full-time fitness trainer and relying on Lawn Tennis Association staff.