Emma Raducanu was due to face Naomi Osaka in the United Cup on Sunday, but withdrew from the match just hours before it was due to start.
Emma Raducanu couldn’t take to the court for Team GB’s tie against Japan(Image: Getty)
Tim Henman has explained that Emma Raducanu is grappling with an ongoing foot problem – and her United Cup participation remains “up in the air”. The British No. 1 was scheduled to face Naomi Osaka at the United Cup on Sunday in Team GB’s match against Japan, but she pulled out with hours to spare and was replaced by Katie Swan.
Swan suffered a straight-set loss, but the Brits clinched the tie, thanks to Billy Harris’ victory in the men’s singles and Olivia Nicholls and Neal Skupski securing the crucial mixed doubles rubber. Henman now hopes that Raducanu will be fit to compete in GB’s match against Greece on Monday, but he is ready to substitute Swan in again.
Raducanu’s injury wasn’t revealed when she chose not to play against four-time Major champion Osaka, but the British No. 1 had been battling light bone bruising in her right foot during the off-season and missed two exhibition matches.
Henman referred to the foot problem again after Britain triumphed 2-1 in their tie against Japan. “Yeah, she struggled with her foot for the end of last year,” the team captain said.
“The improvement that 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.”
Tim Henman is hoping that Emma Raducanu can take to the court for Britain’s tie against Greece(Image: Getty)
Britain is set to face Group E rivals Greece on Monday for a spot in the quarter-finals, with Japan now knocked out of contention. If Raducanu is fit to play, she could give the team a significant boost, boasting an unbeaten 4-0 record against Greek ace Maria Sakkari.
Henman added: “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. I think Katie did such a good job today. You think about her journey over the last 12, 18 months, to be out there against a Grand Slam champion on a big stage like that in a huge event representing her country, I thought her performance was brilliant.
“Look, I’m very happy whoever plays. Likewise, whether it was Billy or Jan [Choinski], they’ve both been practising great. We do have options. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
AloJapan.com