Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper to team-up for Team GB at 2026 United Cup
NewsThursday, 30 October 2025 at 15:00
Team Great Britain is guaranteed to generate much interest at the 2026 United Cup after Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper confirmed their involvement at the team event.
Neither Raducanu nor Draper competed at the 2025 United Cup. Team Great Britain was represented by Katie Boulter, Billy Harris, Jan Choinski, Lily Miyazaki, Charles Broom, and Olivia Nicholls.
Despite their absence, that British team performed quite well, reaching the quarterfinals. Team Poland, which ultimately finished as the runner-up, eliminated the Brits after a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
Raducanu and Draper's involvement could provide a crucial boost to British hopes. In a statement, Raducanu described her excitement about making her United Cup debut and experiencing a unique format on the ATP and WTA Tours.
"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. It's great to be able to experience a new format on the tour, represent my country and spend a couple extra weeks in Australia."
Draper also released a statement when the news announcing his and Raducanu's participation became public. The United Cup is held in Perth and Sydney, and he has not been to either city, which guarantees him a new experience.
"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."
Their respective 2025 seasons provide reason for optimism ahead of the United Cup. Raducanu reached her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal at the 2025 Miami Open, losing to Jessica Pegula in three sets at that stage.
The 2021 US Open champion also defeated Amanda Anisimova twice and came agonizingly close to causing upsets against Aryna Sabalenka, Barbora Krejcikova, and Jessica Pegula in their second meeting of 2025 in Beijing. She held match points against Krejcikova and Pegula.
Three areas of improvement are crucial to Raducanu's chances of returning to the top. That includes building a long-term rapport with Francisco Roig, who became her coach before the 2025 US Open.
Draper enjoyed the best season of his career. The most notable moment was winning the 2025 Indian Wells Open, dismantling Holger Rune in the final. He also defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a high-quality semifinal.
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A few weeks later, Draper reached another Masters 1000 final at the 2025 Madrid Open. Although he finished as the runner-up to Casper Ruud, that was arguably a more significant achievement than winning in Indian Wells since Draper had been uncomfortable on clay in previous years.
Unfortunately, Draper had to cut his season short because of an arm injury. The 23-year-old withdrew before the US Open second round, and further tests made it evident he could not play again this year.
Hopefully, several top players will feature at next year's United Cup. Iga Swiatek has committed to Team Poland, and the event would be further boosted if Coco Gauff elects to play again.
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