British tennis star Emma Raducanu was forced into a dramatic, last-minute withdrawal from her highly anticipated United Cup clash against Naomi Osaka on Sunday, with team captain Tim Henman citing an ongoing foot problem.
Injury Forces Late Scratch Against Osaka
Raducanu, the British No. 1, was scheduled to lead Team GB against Japan in Perth, with her match against the returning four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka a major highlight. However, just hours before the match was due to start, she pulled out and was replaced by Katie Swan.
Henman later clarified that Raducanu has been managing light bone bruising in her right foot, an issue that plagued her towards the end of the previous season and caused her to miss two exhibition matches. Her participation in the team competition had been carefully managed, with her practice in London limited largely to static drills until recently.
Team GB Triumphs Despite Setback
Despite Swan's straight-sets loss to Osaka, Team GB rallied to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Japan. Billy Harris won his men's singles match, and the duo of Olivia Nicholls and Neal Skupski sealed the tie by taking the decisive mixed doubles rubber.
Henman praised Swan's performance under difficult circumstances, stating: "I thought her performance was brilliant... to be out there against a Grand Slam champion on a big stage like that in a huge event representing her country."
Quarter-Final Hopes Hang in the Balance
All focus now shifts to Monday's decisive Group E tie against Greece, with Japan now eliminated. A win would send Great Britain into the quarter-finals. Raducanu's potential availability could be a significant boost, given her dominant 4-0 head-to-head record against Greek star Maria Sakkari.
Henman, however, described the situation as "still a little bit up in the air." The team is required to name Raducanu on the initial team list to preserve the option of playing her. A final decision will be made following team discussions, with Henman expressing confidence in both Swan and the squad's other options.
"We're kind of forced to put Emma on the list because if we didn't do that, then that only gives us one option," Henman explained. "We'll just have to wait and see."
