Emma Raducanu pulled out of her opening match of the season at the United Cup in Perth on Tuesday, with an unknown injury ruling her out of the clash against Naomi Osaka. The 23-year-old British No.1 was replaced by Katie Swan shortly before the match.
Osaka defeated Swan 7-6 (4) 6-1 in the women's singles, while Billy Harris, stepping in for the injured Jack Draper, beat Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6 (4) 7-3. Great Britain secured the tie after Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls won the deciding mixed doubles rubber 7-5 4-6 10-7 against Yasutaka Uchiyama and Nao Hibino.
Great Britain captain Tim Henman said Raducanu was “very, very close” to playing and could still feature in the group stage against Greece. “It was not an easy decision. She had been building up and practising really well,” Henman told Australian broadcaster Channel Nine.
Henman revealed Raducanu had been struggling with a foot problem at the end of the previous year. “The improvement she's made has been fantastic. She's been practising in London, only doing static drills, to be out on the practice court and moving and playing games. She's very close,” he added.
The former US Open champion missed two exhibition matches in December to focus on fitness for the 2026 season. Her participation in Great Britain's next match remains uncertain, with Henman stating the team would discuss it later.
