Emma Raducanu was forced to withdraw from her opening match at the United Cup in Perth just an hour before play due to a foot injury, casting a shadow over the start of her 2026 season. The 23-year-old was scheduled to face Naomi Osaka but was replaced by Katie Swan, who lost 7-6 (4), 6-1 to the four-time Grand Slam champion.
Despite Raducanu's absence, Great Britain secured a 2-1 victory over Japan. Billy Harris defeated Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6 (4), 6-3 in the opening singles rubber, and Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls won the decisive mixed doubles 7-5, 4-6, 10-7 against Nao Hibino and Yasutaka Uchiyama.
Raducanu's foot injury has troubled her for over two months, having prematurely ended her 2025 season in October due to injury and illness. Great Britain captain Tim Henman provided an update, stating: 'She struggled with her foot for the end of last year. The improvement that she’s made has been fantastic. She is very close.'
Raducanu remains hopeful of competing later in the tournament, saying: 'At the end of the day, it’s a team event and Katie’s playing great so it gives me an extra day.' Great Britain will face Greece next for a place in the quarter-finals.
