Emma Raducanu withdrew from her opening match at the United Cup on Sunday in Perth, just hours before she was scheduled to face Naomi Osaka in Great Britain’s opening Group E tie. The British No. 1’s late withdrawal marked a significant setback for the team at the start of the tournament in Australia.
Great Britain’s captain, Tim Henman, addressed the media following the match and provided insight into Raducanu’s condition, explaining the circumstances surrounding her absence.
Emma Raducanu’s Medical Update by Tim Henman
Raducanu was set to compete against four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka on Sunday, but the British No. 1 withdrew before the match began. Katie Swan stepped in as her replacement and played against the Japanese, eventually losing 7-6 (4), 6-1 in one hour and 54 minutes.
Great Britain still managed to secure victory over Japan 2-1 after Billy Harris defeated Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6 (4), 6-3, and Olivia Nicholls and Neal Skupski won the deciding mixed doubles 7-5, 4-6, [10-7].
Henman provided details about the specific injury issue affecting Raducanu during his team’s post-match press conference, stating that the 23-year-old was struggling with a foot issue since the end of 2025. However, he also said that she was close to being back in action.
“She struggled with her foot at the end of last year. The improvement she’s made has been fantastic. She’s been practising in London, really only doing static drills, to be out on the practice court and moving and playing games. She is very close,” Henman said.
Regarding Raducanu’s availability for Great Britain’s match against Greece, the former World No. 4 said:
“In terms of tomorrow, it’s still a little bit up in the air. We’re kind of forced to put Emma on the list because if we didn’t do that, then that only gives us one option. When we get back tonight, we’ll discuss it as a team.”
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Great Britain’s Upcoming Clash with Greece
Great Britain have won one out of their two United Cup matches so far and they will next lock horns with Greece in what will be a winner-takes-it-all fixture. Whoever comes out on top, will win the group and will be assured of a place in the next round.
The Greeks produced a dominant performance against Japan, winning 3-0, with Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas notching victories over Naomi Osaka and Shintaro Mochizuki, respectively. It will be interesting to see whether Raducanu is fit enough to face Sakkari or not.
