The 2026 tennis season has begun in deeply frustrating fashion for British number one Emma Raducanu, who was forced to withdraw from her opening match at the United Cup just hours before she was due to step onto the court.
Last-Minute Scratch Disrupts Team GB Plans
The 23-year-old was scheduled to face former world number one Naomi Osaka in Perth, Australia, as part of her preparation for the upcoming Australian Open. However, in a significant blow to British hopes in the team competition, Raducanu pulled out at the eleventh hour. Team captain Tim Henman described the decision as "very, very close," indicating the severity of the unspecified injury was marginal.
"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 was replaced by compatriot Katie Swan, who lost in straight sets to the Japanese-American star Osaka.
Raducanu Supports Teammates From Sidelines
Despite her withdrawal, Raducanu remained inside Perth's RAC Arena to support her Team GB colleagues. She was seen cheering on Billy Harris to a straight-sets victory over Japan's Shintaro Mochizuki. Speaking about her late scratch, Raducanu focused on the team aspect, stating, "I think, at the end of the day, it’s a team event and Katie’s playing great so it gives me an extra day, so looking forward to this match." She opted not to disclose details about the physical issue that sidelined her.
Draper's Australian Open Absence Compounds GB Woes
The setback for Raducanu compounds an already difficult start to the year for British tennis. Her would-be doubles partner, world number ten Jack Draper, has also withdrawn from the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of 2026. Draper has not played since the US Open in September and is managing a long-term injury involving bone bruising on his arm.
"Unfortunately, me and my team have decided not to head out to Australia this year. It’s a really tough decision – it's one of the biggest tournaments in our sport," Draper explained. He emphasised that rushing back for best-of-five-set matches so soon in his recovery "doesn't seem like a smart decision."
Reflecting on his latest setback, Draper added, "I’ve been through a fair amount of setbacks so far but, by far and away, this one’s been the most difficult, the most challenging, the most complex." He remains determined, stating the challenges make him "more resilient, more hungry" to achieve his goals, and is targeting a return to competition later in 2026.
