Raducanu Eyes Success in 2026
Emma Raducanu is optimistic about her path to increased success in 2026 as she steps into the new tennis season, representing Great Britain at the United Cup in Australia.
Upcoming Debut Against Osaka
The British women’s No. 1 is set to play her first match in the mixed-gender team competition on Sunday, facing Japan’s Naomi Osaka. “For me, it’s about accumulating good days,” Raducanu shared about her aspirations for 2026. “I’ve been having productive practices. Even if they aren’t perfect, the key is their consistency, which was beneficial for me last year. I aim to continue this trend and enjoy the process, which I currently am.”
Finding Stability After a Turbulent Start
This year marks a new chapter for Raducanu, who has seemingly found stability following a volatile career beginning. The 23-year-old had her most consistent season in 2025, maintaining good health to compete regularly and achieving a ranking of No. 29 in the WTA. Her collaboration with coach Francisco Roig, formerly of Rafael Nadal, has shown promise since they began working together in August, alongside new team members like physiotherapist Emma Stewart from British Rowing.
Physical Improvements and Mental Composure
“I’ve improved physically,” Raducanu noted. “I became fitter, allowing me to participate in more matches and tournaments. This opens more chances to earn points and maintain momentum over several matches. Additionally, my mindset while playing has evolved; I’ve become more composed and am enjoying the game much more, marking a significant improvement for me.”
Details of the United Cup
The upcoming United Cup, now in its fourth edition, will take place across Perth and Sydney, featuring round-robin stages before knockout rounds. Notable competitors include Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Alexander Zverev. Unlike the ITF-run Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup, this competition offers ranking points to attract top players.
Team Composition and Challenges Ahead
The British team consists of Billy Harris, Neal Skupski, Olivia Nicholls, Jan Choinski, and Katie Swan, with Tim Henman as the captain. Harris is set to take on the role of the primary singles player, while Skupski will likely partner with Nicholls or Raducanu in mixed doubles. The team faces a challenging group, starting with Japan on Sunday before taking on a Greek team featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari on Monday.
Last-Minute Changes in Team Lineup
Recent developments have affected the team dynamics; Jack Draper was initially expected to join Raducanu but has withdrawn due to a left arm injury that has kept him sidelined for over six months. Harris replaces Draper, having previously substituted for him last year due to an injury. He expressed that he has been training in anticipation of such changes and views this as a significant opportunity.
