Emma Raducanu withdrew from its season opening match against Naomi Osaka at the United Cup in Perth.
But the British number 1 could still return in time for Great Britain’s next group stage match against Greece as she is suffering from an unknown injury.
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The 23-year-old was due to face four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka but was replaced by Katie Swan shortly before the start of the game.
Osaka beat British number 10 Swan 7-6 (4) 6-1, while Billie Harris, who replaced the injured Jack Draperwon his match against Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6 (4) 7-3.
In the deciding mixed doubles final, Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls defeated Yasutaka Uchiyama and Nao Hibino in a tense tiebreak, triumphing 7-5 4-6 10-7.
Tim Henmanwho captains Team GB, told Australian broadcaster Channel Nine that Raducanu was “very, very close” to the competition.
The former US Open champion missed two exhibition matches in December in order to focus on his preparation for the 2026 season.
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“I don’t think she’s necessarily out of this tournament yet,” Henman said. “It wasn’t an easy decision. She had developed very well and trained very well.”
Following Team GB’s 2-1 win, Henman was asked to provide more details on Raducanu’s fitness. “She had some problems with her foot late last year,” he said.
“The progress she’s made has been fantastic. She’s been training in London, just doing static exercises, being on the training ground, moving and playing games. She’s very close.”
“For tomorrow, it’s still a bit up in the air. We have to put Emma on the list because if we haven’t, that only leaves us with one option. When we come back tonight, we’ll discuss it as a team.”
THE Australian Open begins in Melbourne on Sunday January 18.
