PERTH – Emma Raducanu’s return to tennis has been delayed after the Briton pulled out of her tie against Japan’s Naomi Osaka at the United Cup mixed-team event in Perth on Jan 4.
Raducanu has struggled with form and fitness problems since her US Open triumph as a teenager in 2021, but she rediscovered her rhythm in a run to the 2025 Miami Open quarter-finals before ending her season prematurely due to physical issues.
The 23-year-old Briton was set to play her first match since October against Osaka as she builds up her preparations for the Australian Open, but team captain Tim Henman said the tie at the RAC Arena had come too early for the world No. 29, who was replaced by 276th-ranked Katie Swan.
“I have to be honest, she was very close,” 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.”
Local media reports said Raducanu withdrew due to injury.
“I don’t think she’s necessarily out of this tournament just yet. So we’re keeping our fingers crossed,” Henman said, without giving details.
Osaka was too strong for Swan, winning 7-6 (7-4), 6-1, as Raducanu watched from the sidelines.
“I’m proud of how I fought,” said 16th-ranked Osaka. “I’d never played here, it was tough.”
Osaka’s win forced a mixed-doubles decider in which Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls defeated Yasutaka Uchiyama and Nao Hibino 7-5, 4-6, 10-7 to secure victory for Britain in their opening Group E tie.
Earlier, Billy Harris, standing in for the injured Jack Draper, had downed Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 in the opening singles match.
Britain’s next match against Greece on Jan 5 will decide the group winner. Japan, who had lost to Greece on Jan 2, are out of the tournament.
In Sydney, Alexander Zverev clinched victory for Germany against the Netherlands as the world No. 3 demolished Tallon Griekspoor 7-5, 6-0.
Eva Lys beat Suzan Lamens 6-2, 6-2 and Germany also took the doubles for a 3-0 sweep in their opener.
Playing his first match of 2026, Zverev dropped just seven points in a commanding second set.
“The first set, it was tough to get rhythm,” said Zverev. “Once I got the chances, I did well and I’m very happy with the win.”
The 18-nation mixed-team event in Perth and Sydney is a warm-up for the Australian Open which runs from Jan 18 to Feb 1.
The three group winners in each city will advance to the quarter-finals, along with the best runner-up. REUTERS, AFP
Emma RaducanuWomen’s tennisGrand Slam
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