Great Britain's United Cup campaign came to a bitter end in the round-robin group stage after a 2-0 defeat to Greece in Perth. The loss was sealed by Emma Raducanu's 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 defeat to world number eight Maria Sakkari in her first competitive match of the new season.
A Battle of Fitness and Form
Raducanu entered the contest under a cloud of uncertainty, having revealed just days before that she had been managing a foot injury throughout the off-season. British captain Tim Henman had openly questioned her readiness due to the disrupted preparation.
Despite the concerns, the 22-year-old showed promising signs early on. Her movement appeared unrestricted, and she fought back impressively in the second set, finding her range with some crisp shot-making to level the match. However, the challenge of facing one of the tour's premier athletes proved too great in the decider.
Sakkari, renowned for her physical endurance, maintained a relentless intensity as Raducanu's level dropped sharply in the final games. The Greek secured her first ever victory over the Briton at the fifth attempt, closing out a dominant third set.
Harris Pushes Tsitsipas in Courageous Display
The tie had begun with a standout performance from British number five Billy Harris. The 29-year-old, a late replacement for the injured Jack Draper, produced one of the finest matches of his career against former world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Harris, ranked 127th, took the game to his more decorated opponent. He served superbly and attacked Tsitsipas's vulnerable one-handed backhand with his forehand, seizing the first set. Although Tsitsipas hit back to force a decider, Harris pushed him all the way to a final-set tie-break before eventually succumbing 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(4).
For Tsitsipas, currently ranked 34th amid a difficult patch, the win was a much-needed boost. For Harris, it was a demonstration of his capability on the big stage.
Broader Implications and Domestic Success
The defeat ends Team GB's hopes in the mixed-team tournament and raises fresh questions about Raducanu's ability to consistently compete at the highest level following her lengthy injury struggles. The match highlighted her ongoing battle to marry flashes of brilliance with sustained physical and mental stamina over three sets.
In more positive news for British tennis, Francesca Jones scored the biggest win of her career at the Auckland Open. The 25-year-old, now ranked 72nd, stunned second seed and world number 15 Emma Navarro in the first round, marking her first ever victory over a top-40 player.
As the Australian Open swing continues, all eyes will be on how Raducanu regroups from this setback, while players like Harris and Jones will look to build on their encouraging performances.
