The 2026 tennis season has begun under a cloud for British star Emma Raducanu, who was forced to pull out of her opening match at the United Cup in Perth just hours before she was due to face former world No 1 Naomi Osaka.
Eleventh-Hour Decision Disrupts Team GB Plans
The 23-year-old British No 1 was set to lead Team GB in their United Cup campaign, a key warm-up event ahead of the Australian Open. However, in a significant setback, she withdrew from her highly anticipated clash with Osaka at the eleventh hour on Sunday. Team captain Tim Henman described the call as "very, very close," revealing it was a marginal decision made after Raducanu had been practising well in the build-up.
"It was not an easy decision," Henman told Australian broadcaster Nine. "She had been building up and practising really well. I don't think she is necessarily out of this tournament just yet." Raducanu herself opted not to detail the specific physical issue, stating, "at the end of the day, it’s a team event and Katie’s playing great so it gives me an extra day."
Team GB Faces Double Injury Blow
Raducanu was replaced by compatriot Katie Swan, who subsequently lost to Osaka in straight sets. Despite her withdrawal, Raducanu remained courtside at the RAC Arena to support her teammates, notably cheering on Billy Harris to a 7-6 (6-4), 6-3 victory over Japan's Shintaro Mochizuki.
The last-minute change compounded existing selection woes for the British team, following the earlier withdrawal of Jack Draper. The world No 10, who was slated to be Raducanu's doubles partner, has also been ruled out of the Australian Open as he continues to manage a persistent injury.
Draper explained his frustrating decision, citing a long-term issue. "I’m at the very, very end stages of the process and to step back on court into best of five set tennis so soon just doesn’t seem like a smart decision," he said. He confirmed this setback has been his "most difficult" but vowed to return more resilient and hungry in 2026.
Uncertain Start to a Crucial Season
This disrupted beginning to the new campaign casts uncertainty over Raducanu's immediate preparations for the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne. Her participation in further United Cup ties remains in question, pending assessment of her undisclosed injury.
The dual absences of Raducanu and Draper, Britain's top-ranked players, present a major challenge for Team GB's hopes in the team competition and dampen the early-season momentum for British tennis fans. All eyes will now be on medical updates from Perth to see if Raducanu can recover in time to compete later in the tournament or if her focus must shift entirely to regaining fitness for the Australian Open.
