"He’s such an integral part of British tennis" - Emma Raducanu comments on Jack Draper's absence ahead of United Cup

Emma Raducanu is set to make her debut in the United Cup for Great Britain, taking place from January 2-11. Jack Draper was supposed to be in the same boat as the former US Open champion, but injuries have derailed this dream. Raducanu has commented on his miss from the event in Australia.

Great Britain looked to have their British number one's fit and ready for the event, but this has not been the case. Draper has been forced to sit out of the whole Australian swing, including the Australian Open, due to a bruised humerus picked up at Wimbledon. He played int he first round of the US Open, but then withdrew from the tournament while confirming the end to his 2025 campaign.

He was hoping to be back for the start of 2026 with some exhibitions planned, but these were also too soon for the former world number four. After a video emerged with Draper stating that he would be playing in Australia, many fans were relieved. However, this has not turned out to be the case with another setback costing Draper more time on the sidelines, forcing him to watch Great Britain's progress from a distance.

Draper has left a huge hole in the Great British team. While Raducanu remains a strong presence on the women's side, Draper has asserted himself as one of the best players in the world after a fantastic 2025 campaign. He will be missed, and that was admitted by Raducanu.

“Obviously we would love to have him in the team,” Raducanu told Sky Sports. "He’s such an integral part of British tennis and it would have been great to have him here. But we just wish him all the best and as his teammates we can just hope he gets better soon so he can join us for the future events."

While Draper not being in Australia is a blow, it unveils a huge opportunity for Billy Harris to step onto the main stage for his country. The 30-year-old is a late bloomer. making huge amounts of progress in the recent years. He made his Wimbledon debut in 2024, and made it to the second round in 2025 while also playing a part in the US Open. He is looking to continue his development in the sport, with Raducanu and the full British team backing him for the upcoming tournament to step in the huge shoes left by Draper.

“He’s had a great year, he’s really broken through in the last few years and it’s nice to see, and he’s got an amazing story too," Raducanu said. "So it’s nice to spend some time with [Harris] in the team environment. We’re having a good time.”

Harris made his debut last year in the United Cup, losing in all three singles matches to Tomas Martín Etcheverry, Alex de Minaur and Hubert Hurkacz. Nevertheless, he is raring to go for this event. “No, I’m not thinking about the pressure. I’m just looking forward to getting into the matches,” Harris stated. “Played it last year in Sydney, got some good matches, but yeah, looking to get some wins this time.”

Great Britain are in Group E with Greece and Japan. They get to sit and watch the two nations compete on January 2 against each other before they first take to the stage in Perth. They will make their first steps into the tournament on January 4 against Japan, with a highly anticipated matchup between Raducanu and Naomi Osaka on the cards, while Harris will take on Shintaro Mochizuki. On January 5, Greece will be the challengers with there a lot on the line in terms of getting out of the group. Raducanu will take on Maria Sakkari in a repeat of the 2021 US Open semi-final while Harris comes up against two-time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas.