Tim Henman claims Emma Raducanu must answer two questions about her fitness during this year's Australian Open.
The former Wimbledon semi-finalist has challenged the 21-year-old to prove she is mentally and physically ready for the rigours of a Grand Slam.
Raducanu will take on the USA's Shelby Rogers in the first round in Melbourne on Monday.
It will be her first appearance at a major since crashing out of last year's tournament in the second round.
Emma Raducanu is preparing for the Australian Open
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The Brit has struggled with form and injury since winning the US Open in 2021.
Raducanu underwent surgery last April on both hands and her left ankle which ruled her out of the remainder of 2023.
She made a return at the ASB Classic in Auckland earlier this month, beating Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the first round before suffering defeat against Elina Svitolina in the second.
Henman was pleased with what he saw from Raducanu in New Zealand.
However, he still says she must prove she is confident with her body as well as show she is physically ready to play.
Henman told Eurosport: "With Raducanu it’s more steps.
"I think when you take a step back and actually look at how little tennis she's played in her whole career, she's still massively inexperienced.
"But it was good to see her play two matches in Auckland. I thought her level was excellent.
"And again, it's more about the physical resilience, and can she build up the sort of confidence and the physicality in her body so that she can play week in, week out, and not have setbacks physically and not get those injuries?
"Because that just disrupts your momentum. Raducanu is a very good tennis player.
"She now is hopefully building that foundation to do herself justice so that she doesn't get injured."
Raducanu admitted she was 'sore' for the first few days after her matches in Auckland.
And she knows it will take time for her to get used to competing regularly again.
The Toronto-born star said: "For a few days after the matches I was sore but I've bounced back from that and I'm feeling good now.
"I did a lot of good work in the off-season.
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Emma Raducanu will compete at her first Grand Slam in a year
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"But regardless of how good I may feel on the court on a particular day or in practice, getting that level of consistency is going to require more time.
"I've been doing the right work, doing it consistently. I just need to keep going more and more."
She added: "I feel a lot lighter now than I did for a long time after US Open.
"I feel like I’m not playing with a backpack of rocks. I feel pretty light and happy.
Emma Raducanu will take on Shelby Rogers in her first round match
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"Reflecting on the past, I think people are very important.
"I think surrounding yourself with competent and knowledgeable people is of course really important, but also the type of person and their character is big-time, just making sure we really get on and intentions are really good."
