British No 1 withdraws from clash with Naomi Osaka due to injury
Katie Swan replaces former US Open champion to play for Team GB
Emma Raducanu remains hopeful that she will be able to compete this week at the United Cup after her 2026 season began with a concerning false start when she was forced to withdraw from her opening match in Perth.
Raducanu pulled out of her highly anticipated clash with Naomi Osaka just an hour before play began but a significantly weakened Great Britain team admirably battled hard in the searing heat. Billy Harris, who had replaced the British men’s No 1 Jack Draper, opened the tie with a strong win, defeating Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6 (4), 6-3. Raducanu was replaced by Katie Swan.
Before Swan took to the court against Osaka, Raducanu, who has been managing a foot injury since the end of last season, opted not to elaborate on her physical health but struck hopeful tone: “I think, at the end of the day, it’s a team event and Katie’s playing great so it gives me an extra day, so looking forward to this match,” Raducanu said.
