Raducanu withdraws from United Cup tie against Osaka
Emma Raducanu withdrew from her tie against Naomi Osaka as Great Britain started their United Cup campaign against Japan in Australia.
The British number one has not played since October and no reason was given for her pulling out against Osaka in Perth, in the lead up to the Australian Open, which begins in Melbourne on 18 January.
"I have to be honest, she was very close," GB team captain Tim Henman told Australian broadcaster Nine.
"It wasn't an easy decision. She had been building up and practising really well. But we just felt this morning it was a little bit too early."
Despite Raducanu's absence, Great Britain managed to beat Japan 2-1 and will face Greece in their other Group E tie.
Henman added: "I don't think she's necessarily out of this tournament just yet. So we're keeping our fingers crossed."
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Raducanu has struggled for form and fitness since winning the US Open in 2021 but, last season, completed 50 matches for the first time in her career and is 29th in the women's rankings.
The 23-year-old pulled out of two exhibition matches in the United States in December because of a minor foot issue before starting her preparations for the 2026 season with coach Francisco Roig in Barcelona.
Ties at the United Cup comprise of one men's and one women's singles match and a mixed doubles.
Against Japan, Billy Harris earned GB a 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 victory against Shintaro Mochizuki before Katie Swan, who replaced Raducanu, was beaten 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 by Osaka.
Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls clinched the tie for Britain as they beat Yasutaka Uchiyama and Nao Hibino 7-5 4-6 10-7 in a mixed doubles match that went to a tie-break decider.
"The spirit has been so good since we arrived in Perth," said Henman. "Their work ethic and the camaraderie has been absolutely outstanding.
"My request was for them to go out there and enjoy the challenge and compete for every point."
