Emma Raducanu, the British women's number one, is approaching the new tennis season with a renewed sense of optimism and stability. As she gears up to lead the Great Britain team at the United Cup in Australia, the 23-year-old believes she is on a clear path towards achieving greater success by 2026.
United Cup Debut and a Focus on Consistency
Raducanu will make her debut in the mixed-gender team competition this Sunday, facing a high-profile clash against Japan's former world number one, Naomi Osaka. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Raducanu outlined her philosophy for the coming years. "I think for me it's just about stacking the good days," she said. "I've been putting in some good practices. Even if each practice isn't as perfect as you want it to be, I think just the consistency of it is the most important thing."
This focus on steady progress paid dividends in 2025, which she describes as her most consistent season yet. Remaining injury-free allowed her to compete regularly, culminating in a return to the world's top 30, where she currently sits at number 29. Her coaching setup has also provided a solid foundation, having worked with Francisco Roig – former coach of Rafael Nadal – since August. Her team is further strengthened by physiotherapist and conditioning coach Emma Stewart, previously with British Rowing.
Physical and Mental Gains Fuel Optimism
Raducanu credits significant physical improvements for her increased tournament participation. "Physically I also improved. I became fitter, so I was able to play more matches and more tournaments on the road," she explained. This endurance has granted her the opportunity to build momentum across multiple matches in a single event.
Perhaps more importantly, her mindset has transformed. "Also, just my approach to playing. I've been a lot better, a lot more composed, but at the same time enjoying it a lot more again. That's been a big win for me," Raducanu added, highlighting the importance of enjoying the process.
British Team Faces Tough Group After Draper Withdrawal
The British squad, captained by Tim Henman, has faced a late reshuffle. Initially one of the favourites with Jack Draper in the line-up, the team's prospects shifted when the world number four withdrew from the entire Australian swing. Draper is continuing his recovery from a bone bruise in his left arm, an injury that has sidelined him for six months.
Stepping into the breach is Billy Harris, the 30-year-old ranked 128th, who also replaced Draper in last year's competition. Harris received the call-up on Christmas Eve. "I was staying ready just in case he couldn't make it out here," Harris stated. "Unfortunate that Jack couldn't make it, but a great opportunity for myself."
The full British team for the United Cup includes:
- Emma Raducanu
- Billy Harris
- Neal Skupski
- Olivia Nicholls
- Jan Choinski
- Katie Swan
Britain finds itself in a challenging three-team group. The campaign begins against Japan, led by Naomi Osaka, on Sunday, followed by a match on Monday against a strong Greek team featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari.
The United Cup, now in its fourth edition, is split between Perth and Sydney for the group stages, with the finals held in Sydney. The event offers ranking points and has attracted top names like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, though it still awaits the participation of current men's stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
For Raducanu, the tournament represents the first step in a carefully built season, where stacking one good day upon another is the ultimate goal.
