Andre Agassi advises Emma Raducanu during

Eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi has urged Emma Raducanu to focus on being her best self daily and not to judge herself by results. The advice comes as the 2021 US Open champion, now 23, has been sidelined for more than three months with a stress fracture in her right leg.

Agassi spoke to the BBC in London ahead of captaining Team World at the Laver Cup. He addressed the challenge of dealing with public scrutiny, a theme Raducanu has connected with in his autobiography. I would encourage her to focus on being the best of herself on a daily basis, but don't judge that by results or thinking that somehow you have to be 100%, Agassi said. He added that athletes must learn to be "100% of whatever per cent you're at" and find comfort in their own identity.

Raducanu's connection to Agassi's story

Raducanu recently discussed the relatability of Agassi's 2009 autobiography, Open. She told Uniqlo she was intrigued by his account of overcoming a slump in the late 1990s by creating his own training regimen. The British player said the book speaks in depth about his early successes and the subsequent lows.

Agassi acknowledged that hearing current players relate to his journey made him feel good. "It's wonderful to hear that anybody can relate," he said. He wrote the book with the hope that it might give readers tools to understand they are not alone and could reach a healthier place without directing frustration at tennis itself.

The current tennis landscape

While offering counsel to Raducanu, Agassi is preparing to lead Team World against Team Europe at the Laver Cup. His squad includes Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz. They will face a Team Europe side captained by Yannick Noah and featuring Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz.

Agassi contrasted the media environment of his era with today's digital age. He noted that in his day, he could simply put down the newspaper to avoid criticism. Now it seems like it's harder for these youngsters to avoid, he observed.

Raducanu's uncertain return

Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from next week's China Open. She has not confirmed if she will return to competition before the end of the 2026 season. Her last match was in June.

The former British No. 1 rocketed to fame by winning the 2021 US Open as an 18-year-old qualifier without dropping a set. Agassi's words arrive as she handles a prolonged period away from the tour, seeking a path back to the top of the game.