Emma Raducanu withdraws from United Cup 2026 opener due to Injury - When will she return?

Raducanu withdrew from her opening clash against Naomi Osaka.

Emma Raducanu‘s 2026 season got off to a worrying start on January 4 when the British No. 1 withdrew from her highly anticipated United Cup opener against Naomi Osaka in Perth.

The 23-year-old, who has been managing a lingering foot injury from late 2025, pulled out just hours before the match, citing an unspecified setback. Katie Swan stepped in as her replacement but fell 7-6(4), 6-1 to the four-time Grand Slam champion.

Great Britain captain Tim Henman remained optimistic, revealing Raducanu was “very, very close” to playing.

“It was not an easy decision. She had been building up and practicing really well. I don’t think she is necessarily out of this tournament just yet”, Henman told Australian broadcaster Nine.

Raducanu, present courtside cheering alongside coach Francisco Roig, echoed a positive tone, noting the team format gave her “an extra day” to recover.

Raducanu’s issues stem from light bone bruising in her right foot, which forced her to skip December exhibitions and end her 2025 season early.

Despite a more consistent 2025, where she returned to the top 30 and completed 50 matches for the first time, fitness remains Raducanu’s biggest hurdle since her 2021 US Open triumph. Henman and the team hope she recovers in time for Monday’s tie against Greece, where she could face Maria Sakkari.

Also Read: Injury scare puts Taylor Fritz’s Australian Open participation in jeopardy

The withdrawal further compounds Britain’s problems in Group E, with their top male player Jack Draper choosing to skip the entire Australian season as he continues to recover from bone bruising in his left arm.

The injury has kept him sidelined since the 2025 US Open and has now ruled him out of the full Australian swing, including the 2026 Australian Open. The World No. 10 described it as the most difficult and complex setback of his career, opting for a cautious approach rather than risking a premature return to best of five set tennis.

Draper’s replacement Billy Harris provided a bright spot by beating Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6(4), 6-3, leveling the tie at 1-1 before the decisive mixed doubles.

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