Melbourne VIC, Australia, 21 April 2015 | Todd Woodbridge

This week Sam Stosur will rejoin her former long-time coach Dave Taylor. This may raise a few eyebrows yet I believe it’s the best move Sam could have made at this point in her career.

Everyone needs a coach – they are your extra set of eyes, checking on technique, scouting the next opponent, acting as a confidence builder, and providing reassurance that all is in good order.

Stosur has been treading water the past 18 month since her amicable split with Taylor. At the time the relationship was stale and both needed some time away to freshen up.

Since their parting, we’ve watched Sam look anxious and lack belief. Taylor is sure to reinforce the self-worth that will bring back the relaxed, assured style of play that helped Stosur win the US Open in 2011.

Looking at the big picture, it’s the smartest decision Stosur could have made and couldn’t have come at a more important time if she is to return to the world’s top 10.

Taylor is famous for his hard-working mantra and for giving full commitment to his player. However, the difference this time around is that Stosur will work in a joint arrangement with Ajla Tomljanovic.

Tomljanovic and Taylor have worked together for the past 18 months, with Tomljanovic using the Brisbane National Academy as her base. It’s there she has learnt the benefit of working alongside other athletes.

No doubt it will be will be a challenge for both to see if they can share Taylor’s expertise; it’s rare on the WTA tour that the elite players share a coach. But at this point in their careers, they will both benefit from working with each other.

Tomljanovic needs discipline to stay within a rally and stick to her game plan, while for Stosur, the key is the ability to trust her instincts and play with freedom.

If they play it smart, Tomljanovic can learn from Stosur and vice versa – it’s a win-win situation for all involved.