Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper to team up for United Cup
Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu will team up for Great Britain for the first time at the United Cup in January.
The country’s leading names have committed to the mixed team event held in Perth and Sydney from January 2-11.
Both players finished their seasons prematurely under fitness clouds, with Draper only playing one match since Wimbledon because of bone bruising in his left arm, while Raducanu struggled with illness in China.
Raducanu, who was a late withdrawal from Britain’s team for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals last month, said: “I’m honoured to be able to make my United Cup debut in January.
“Being able to play for Team GB with my team-mates is a unique opportunity and week to enjoy.
“It’s great to be able to experience a new format on the tour, represent my country and spend a couple extra weeks in Australia.”
Great Britain and Australia are the first teams to be confirmed for the new mixed-team event being held in Perth and Sydney a week before the Australian Open.
Countries will be placed in groups of three, with players competing in singles and mixed doubles matches.
“To see British [No1s] in Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu line up for the first time will bring new star power to the tournament,” said United Cup director Stephen Farrow.
There will be a men’s and women’s singles match between the No1 ranked players and one mixed doubles match in every fixture.
There is a chance Draper and Raducanu will be paired together, but it is believed Britain will pick doubles specialists to complete their squad.
Poland have confirmed that women’s world No2 Iga Swiatek and Hurbert Hurkacz have committed to their squad, while Maya Joint and Alex de Minaur will feature for the Australians.
