Emma Raducanu explains Team GB U-turn as she confirms return with Jack Draper
Emma Raducanu will represent Team GB at the United Cup in January alongside Jack Draper, with the pair set to make their debuts at the mixed-gender tournament
Emma Raducanu has broken her silence after being confirmed to represent Great Britain at next year's United Cup. The former US Open winner will join forces with Jack Draper for the upcoming mixed-gender competition in January.
Both stars were compelled to cut their seasons short, with Raducanu withdrawing for medical reasons whilst Draper dealt with an arm problem.
The duo will be making their United Cup bow. Raducanu recently declined the opportunity to compete for Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup, choosing instead to participate in individual competitions on the Asian swing.
Nevertheless, she is excited about representing her nation alongside Draper. In a statement, Raducanu said: "I'm honoured to be able to make my United Cup debut in January. Being able to play for Team GB with my team-mates is a unique opportunity and week to enjoy," reports the Express.
READ MORE: Andre Agassi and wife Steffi Graf unrecognisable in throwback photo nine years before weddingREAD MORE: Tennis bosses asked about FOUR major rule changes as Emma Raducanu feels impact"It's great to be able to experience a new format on the tour, represent my country and spend a couple of extra weeks in Australia."
Draper, meanwhile, added: "I am excited to get back on court and compete in the United Cup. I'll be looking out for the draw to see if Team GB will play in Perth or Sydney. I haven't been to either so it will be nice to compete in a brand new city in Australia."
Raducanu endured a challenging Asian swing following the US Open, dropping two matches after squandering multiple match points and experiencing early eliminations at the Wuhan Open and Ningbo Open. Health issues have also plagued her, with dizziness and vital sign checks during her defeat to Zhu Lin.
After a doctor's visit, Raducanu withdrew from her final two tournaments of 2025 due to health concerns. The young Brit has ample time to shake off any lingering problems before the United Cup, set to kick off on January 2.
Meanwhile, Draper was out of action due to an arm injury post-Wimbledon, making his comeback seven weeks later at the US Open. He only managed one singles match in New York before pulling out of the tournament due to bone bruising in his left arm.
He's expected to make his return at the UTS London exhibition event in December, while Raducanu is slated to go head-to-head with Amanda Anisimova in a one-off exhibition match in Miami.
Following this, they'll jet off to kick-start their 2026 seasons at the United Cup, before setting their sights on the Australian Open.