Raducanu withdraws from United Cup tie against Osaka

As Great Britain kicked off their United Cup campaign against Japan in Australia, Emma Raducanu withdrew from her tie with Naomi Osaka.

In the run-up to the Australian Open, which begins in Melbourne on January 18, no reason was given for the British number one to withdraw since October.

Tim Henman, the GB team captain, told Australian broadcaster Nine, “I have to be honest, she was very close.”

“It wasn’t a simple choice,” he said. She had been really developing and developing. However, we just thought it was a little too early this morning.

Following their Group E draw with Japan, Great Britain squared off against Greece.

Since winning the US Open in 2021, Raducanu has struggled with form and fitness, but she won her first 50 matches last year and is now 29th in the women’s rankings.

Before beginning her preparations for the 2026 season with coach Francisco Roig in Barcelona, the 23-year-old pulled out of two American exhibition games in December with a minor foot problem.

One men’s and one women’s singles match, as well as a mixed doubles match, make up the United Cup tie.

Before Katie Swan, who took the place of Raducanu, was defeated 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 by Osaka, GB won 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to defeat Shintaro Mochizuki.