A lengthy period without match practice means it is almost inevitable there will be repercussions in the early stages of a player’s comeback.
“When you’ve had such a long period of time out, you have got massive risk of picking up niggles in other areas,” Anna Poyser, lead physio at the Lawn Tennis Association, told BBC Sport.
“It is a big return to playing because you’re having to build up fitness, agility and robustness of every joint.
“You’re talking about making your hips, ankles and shoulders robust – all the main areas which are predisposed to wear and tear from tennis.”
This general observation from Poyser, who did not work with Raducanu in her rehab, was illustrated by the former British number one feeling the effects of her comeback tournament.
Raducanu played on consecutive days at the Auckland Classic, beating Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse before losing to Wimbledon semi-finalist Elina Svitolina.
It left her with soreness when she arrived in Melbourne last week and, as a result, she pulled out of two exhibition matches in what her team said were precautionary measures.
Instead Raducanu continued her preparations at Melbourne Park, taking part in two-hour training sessions on Thursday and Friday.
With no obvious sign of discomfort or strapping, Raducanu looked confident while she hit with fellow British players Lily Miyazaki and Jodie Burrage.
“The first matches back after a long break are always going to have a toll on your body,” Raducanu said.
“They are a challenge because you’re just not used to it, no matter how much you practise or do in the gym.
“It is completely different playing a live situation against a top player.”