Jack Draper dampens frosty relationship rumours with Emma Raducanu as pair prepare to team up in United Cup

There had been rumours circulating that the relationship between Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu was not a positive one. However, ahead of the pair teaming up at the United Cup, Draper has squashed those beliefs.

The British number ones will be making their debut in the event as they field a strong team for what is going to be a very competitive tournament. It is also set to be where Draper makes his highly anticipated return to the court after being sidelined since September due to an arm injury.

At Flushing Meadows, Draper and Raducanu both took part in the revamped mixed doubles event taking place a week before the singles tournament commenced. The pair were drawn against each other in their first round contest. Draper, teamed up with Jessica Pegula, managed to get the job done against Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz. At the net, there seemed to be tension between the two Brits. As Draper leaned in for a hug, Raducanu never had that intention, wanting a handshake. This was picked up by many fans, leading to concerns about them not being on good personal terms.

Despite this, as the United Cup slowly gets closer, Draper may have just hinted at a positive relationship between the two. The LTA asked the 23-year-old for some of his ‘Best of British’ picks, a quickfire Q&A. One of the questions was saying who his favourite British tennis player is. Without a second thought, Draper instantly said Raducanu. 

This may show that whatever tension there was, if there was any, has been sidelined ahead of them working together on the court. They will both be looking at positive returns to the court after rocky endings to 2025, specifically Draper's injury and Raducanu's physical issues at the end of the Asian swing, seeing a downturn in performance and results.

Both players are looking forward for their induction into the event, with success the target Down Under. “I’m honoured to be able to make my United Cup debut in January,” Raducanu said. “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 of extra weeks in Australia.”

Draper also shared his excitement for a return to the court, looking forward to teaming up with team captain and former British number one Tim Henman. “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,” Draper stated. “I haven’t been to either so it will be nice to compete in a brand new city in Australia. I think Tim Henman being captain. He’s going to bring a lot of good energy, he’s going to be very vocal, I can imagine. I’m just looking forward to being around Tim.”

Great Britain find themselves in a tough group. They are set to face off against Japan in their opening match on January 4. It involves an intriguing clash between Raducanu and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. The next day, they will face off against Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari's Greece outfit as they look for a possible pathway out of the group phase. The event will last from 2-11 January 2026. Follow our United Cup coverage here.