Emma Raducanu told of 'most important thing' for injury comeback as Billie Jean King Cup announcement made
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Jodie Burrage has gone through her own injury nightmare this summer and has given some advice to compatriot Emma Raducanu as the 21-year-old plans to make her injury comeback at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals this week.
Burrage was on an upward trajectory in her career after climbing to 86th in the world and becoming the British No 2.
But her progress was halted after a spell of injuries this year starting in February forced her to miss several months of action.
Burrage has since returned to action, playing in several events to get back up to speed and marked her comeback with a doubles title at the W100 Caldas da Rainha in September.
The 25-year-old's comeback came just weeks before Raducanu suffered an injury setback of her own after making progress in the summer.
Jodie Burrage has backed Emma Raducanu to come back from her injury woes
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The 2021 US Open champion hasn't played since picking up an issue at the Korea Open, forcing her to miss most of the Asian swing.
But Raducanu is set to make her comeback this week in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals with Great Britain after being photographed in Malaga.
Burrage, who is a Del Monte ambassador, won't be part of the British squad gunning for glory this week.
However, she's hopeful that Raducanu can get a run of matches under her belt to put her injury woes behind her once and for all.
"I’ve not been at the NTC [National Tennis Centre] much over the past few weeks, so I know no more than most, Burrage told GB News.
"It’s never easy coming back from injury, but Emma knows what she is doing and I’m sure she will be doing everything she can to be a part of the team.
"She has done exceptionally well to get to where she is considering, and the most important thing for her is to get back out there playing matches and to get the time in the legs and the body."
Burrage, currently ranked 284th in the world, is continuing her own comeback in Portugal this week on the ITF circuit and faces Poland's Martyna Kubka in the first round.
"I will of course be watching and supporting from afar," she added.
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The Lexus GB @BJKCup Team at the official welcome reception in Malaga pic.twitter.com/u5WDchz2t1
"Currently my plan is to work on my fitness and my own game, but all the girls and the entire team know I would be there in a heartbeat if they need me!"
Great Britain will be among the favourites to battle for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals trophy if Raducanu can get up to speed quickly.
Katie Boulter recently reached a new career-high ranking of world No 23 after reaching the final of the Hong Kong Open while Harriet Dart enjoyed one of the best years of her career.
Jodie Burrage will be pushing to be back in the Billie Jean King Cup squad
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Heather Watson has found some form in both singles and doubles too while Olivia Nicholls has moved inside the WTA doubles top 40.
Burrage will be pushing to return to the Billie Jean King Cup squad in the future and admits the progress made by her compatriots is providing her with motivation heading into next year.
"Women’s British tennis is in a great spot, arguably the best it has been in for a while," Burrage said.
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Jodie Burrage is in action this week in Portugal
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"We encourage and support each other, and the competition is very healthy.
"The more players we have in slams and the top 100 the better. The competition for places in the Billie Jean King Cup is fantastic and ultimately it makes the team better.
"I’m really proud of where we are at as a group, and I hope the fans are as well. I am excited to be pushing to be a part of that team in the future.
"The standard and competition in the UK motivates me and drives me to develop as a player as well, so I am thankful for it. "
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