Emma Raducanu has spoken out after being selected to represent Great Britain at the upcoming United Cup in 2026. The British tennis star, who previously won the US Open, will team up with compatriot Jack Draper for the mixed-gender tournament in January.
Both Raducanu and Draper had to end their seasons early due to different reasons. Raducanu withdrew from competitions for medical reasons, while Draper was dealing with an arm injury.
This will be the first time the duo participates in the United Cup. Raducanu had turned down the chance to play for Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup to focus on individual events in the Asian circuit.
Express reported Raducanu expressing her excitement about making her United Cup debut, emphasizing the honor of playing for Team GB alongside her teammates. She looks forward to the unique experience of the tournament and the opportunity to spend additional time in Australia.
Draper also shared his enthusiasm for the United Cup, eager to return to competition after dealing with his arm injury. He expressed interest in discovering the location where Team GB will compete, mentioning his excitement about playing in a new Australian city.
Following a challenging Asian swing after her US Open victory, Raducanu faced health issues and decided to withdraw from her remaining tournaments in 2025. She will have time to recover before the United Cup commences on January 2.
Meanwhile, Draper’s return to action is anticipated at the UTS London exhibition event in December. Raducanu is scheduled for an exhibition match against Amanda Anisimova in Miami before they kick off their 2026 seasons at the United Cup and prepare for the Australian Open.