This season, Murray has struggled to meet the high standards he set in 2016 – one which ended with him sitting on top of the world rankings.
But having won his last five tournaments of the year, Rusedski feels Murray should have taken a longer break away from the game and will now be regretting not doing so.
“He needed a break and didn’t take one,” Rusedski, who will be a pundit on Europsort’s coverage of the forthcoming French Open, told sportinglife.com.
“It was straight into training after just two weeks off and then straight off Down Under to Australia via Doha.
“He’s also had shingles and an elbow problem and to me he still didn’t look well in Rome.
“From what I’ve seen this year he hasn’t looked healthy and that shows by results rather than the tennis he’s been playing.”
Rusedski hinted that skipping the forthcoming action at Roland Garros, which starts on Sunday, may even be in the 30-year-old’s best interests.
“It’s very difficult to maintain that peak and I’d be very interested to see if he had a look after Rome at what he wants to do at the French,” he continued.
“I’m not sure how far he’s going to go there - yes, he did reach the final last year but he was also two sets down in his opening two matches.
“Is he hoping to have a bit of a rest?
“For me, he has a better chance at Queen’s and Wimbledon.
“I think there are a lot of question marks because of the way he’s feeling physically. I don’t believe it’s to do with the pressure of (being) number one.
“(Coach) Ivan Lendl is with Andy right now getting ready for the French and it will be interesting what decision they make as a team. I’m assuming he’s going to play.”
Murray would have done well to take a leaf out of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s book, according to Rusedski. Both ended their 2016 season early with injury issues and made no attempt to rush back.
Rusedski said: “Look at Roger and Rafa.
“Roger was six months out and came back on fire, winning everything in sight bar one tournament.
“Rafa had three months off but came straight back (playing well).
“Not many would have predicted that but they had the belief in themselves.
“You’ve got to find the right time (to rest) to feel rejuvenated.
“(Novak) Djokovic with (new coach Andre) Agassi right now – just (making that appointment) will have rejuvenated him.”
Click here for more of Rusedski's thoughts on Djokovic's link-up with Agassi.
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