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Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash has cast doubt on Emma Raducanu's ability to secure a permanent coach and climb the world rankings. The 2021 US Open winner currently sits 28th in the WTA rankings, with her lack of a consistent head coach repeatedly making headlines.

The 22-year-old parted ways with Spanish coach Francisco Roigin January and has since travelled with hitting partner Alexis Canter and physiotherapist Emma Stewart, while rekindling her working relationship with Mark Petchey at Indian Wells - where she was eliminated in the round of 32 by Amanda Anisimova in straight sets.

While Raducanu has acknowledged that she is open to spending portions of her career without a full-time coach, Cash admitted during his appearance on Greg Rusedski's Off Court podcast that he believes the British star is capable of returning to the top, butraised concerns over her coaching instability and fitness consistency.

The Australian tennis legend said: "I don't see why not, the game has changed. She had a great run at the US Open [and played] unbelievable tennis. If you look at the players that are now coming through, they're big hard-hitting players. Emma isn't the biggest, strongest girl but she hits the ball really cleanly.

"You'd have to have a game plan. It's attrition in the modern game, it's being consistent day in day out, she hasn't been able to be consistent. She's been injured a lot but I do think she can come back.

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"I have some doubts of course but she's got to stay fit, find the right solution." Reflecting on her part-time arrangement with Petchey, Cash added: "I think he's a knowledgeable guy so that might work but she can play, there's no doubts about it. But consistency is crucial for her to find somebody and stick with a plan."

Having worked with nine coaches since making her WTA Tour debut, Raducanu was urged by former world No. 1 Martina Navratilova to commit to a long-term coaching arrangement.

The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion told Sky Sports: "I mean, I don't know what's the record for a coach - maybe six months! So, I wish that she would really pick whoever she wants to be her coach carefully and then stick with it.

"Give it a year because it takes a while to be comfortable with making changes and being able to incorporate the person into your game. The biggest thing I see, I think she could get fitter, which the coach has nothing to do with, but you know, the coach can only do so much. Pick the right coach and stick with him or her, please!"