Great Britain Successfully Starts the United Cup Despite Raducanu’s Absence
The British tennis selection demonstrated its strength by defeating Japan with a score of 2-1 in their debut at the United Cup, held in Perth. The absence of Emma Raducanu, who was expected to compete for the first time since mid-October, did not affect the team’s performance. Raducanu withdrew from the match against Naomi Osaka, although the official reason was not revealed.Henman suggested a cautious approach regarding Raducanu’s physical condition, two weeks before the start of the Australian Open. Raducanu, who could be seeded in the first Grand Slam of the year, missed some exhibition matches in the United States last month to fully recover for the 2026 season. A slight bone bruise in her right foot was a factor, but it did not prevent her preseason preparation alongside her new coach, Francisco Roig, in Barcelona. His return could occur in the next Group E match against Greece on Monday, following Great Britain’s victory over Japan. Katie Swan took Raducanu’s place, losing to Osaka with a score of 7-6 (4) 6-1. Billy Harris, for his part, defeated Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6 (4) 6-3. In the decisive mixed doubles match, Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls defeated Yasutaka Uchiyama and Nao Hibino in a close tie-break, with a score of 7-5 4-6 10-7. After the victory, Henman spoke at a press conference about Raducanu:“She was very, very close,” commented Tim Henman, captain of the British team, to the Australian channel Nine. “It wasn’t an easy decision. She had been preparing and training really well.”
Tim Henman
Henman added that Raducanu has been training in London, focusing on static exercises to be able to return to the court and play matches. Her participation in the next match is uncertain, and the team will make a decision about it.“She had problems with her foot at the end of last year. The improvement she has made has been fantastic.”
Tim Henman
