Emma Raducanu has officially withdrawn from the United Cup tie against Naomi Osaka. This decision comes as she continues to recuperate from foot issues that affected her performance toward the end of the previous season. Despite her absence, Great Britain managed to secure a victory over Japan in their opening match.
Raducanu’s Current Status
At just 23 years old, Raducanu’s journey since her US Open triumph in 2021 has been marked by ups and downs. Last season, she achieved a milestone by completing 50 matches for the first time. Currently, she ranks 29th in the women’s tennis standings.
Raducanu has been training diligently in Barcelona under coach Francisco Roig. Additionally, she has brought physiotherapist Emma Stewart on board to aid in her recovery and fitness regimen.
Match Overview
In Raducanu’s absence, Great Britain triumphed over Japan, with a 2-1 victory. The team will next compete against Greece in their Group E match.
Match Results Against Japan
- Billy Harris: Defeated Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6 (7-4), 6-3
- Katie Swan: Lost to Naomi Osaka 7-6 (7-4), 6-1
- Mixed Doubles: Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls defeated Yasutaka Uchiyama and Nao Hibino 7-5, 4-6, 10-7
Coaching Insights
Tournament captain Tim Henman provided insights on Raducanu’s recovery. He praised her recent progress and emphasized that she has been focusing on basic drills. Henman remarked, “She’s very close,” indicating optimism for her return to competitive play.
Looking Ahead
The team plans to reassess Raducanu’s situation before their next match against Greece. Henman noted the importance of including her on the roster for potential flexibility in team strategy.
Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, responded to Raducanu’s withdrawal, stating that it would not alter her match preparations. She emphasized her focus on her personal game instead.
Team Spirit and Preparation
Following the successful victory against Japan, Henman expressed pride in his team’s spirit and camaraderie. He encouraged them to enjoy the competition and strive for excellence in every point.
