Can Team GB Duty at the United Cup Finally Ignite Emma Raducanu’s Long-Awaited Comeback After a Tough 2025 Season? See More Pictures and Details!
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion whose rise once lit up the world of tennis, has returned to the spotlight this January by leading Team Great Britain at the United Cup in Australia. After a rollercoaster 2025 season marred by health struggles, strategic withdrawals, and early tournament exits, her appearance in the mixed-gender event has fans and pundits asking a key question: Can this team duty finally reignite her long-awaited comeback? The Guardian+1
A Tough Season Behind Her
Raducanu’s 2025 campaign started with promise but quickly became a battle against her own body. The British No. 1 ended her season prematurely in October after recurring illness and back issues forced her out of events in China and Asia, including withdrawals from tournaments in Tokyo and Hong Kong. That period highlighted ongoing physical challenges that had frequently interrupted her rhythm and consistency on tour. Sky Sports+1
Despite these setbacks, Raducanu managed to compile 28 match wins and climbed back into the WTA top 30 — her best ranking since 2022 — showcasing glimmers of her undeniable talent. Yet, the recurring physical toll on her body raised questions about her ability to sustain peak performance week after week on the demanding WTA circuit. The Boar
United Cup: A New Beginning
Her selection for Great Britain’s United Cup squad represents a significant vote of confidence from team management. The United Cup, which runs from January 2–11, offers ranking points and high-pressure matches against elite opponents — a perfect stage for Raducanu to measure her readiness against the best in the game. Sky Sports
In Perth, she is slated to face marquee singles rivals, including Naomi Osaka of Japan, in front of a global audience. Those matchups will not only test her physical condition but also her mental resilience, which has been under intense scrutiny since her early professional breakthrough. Sky Sports
Beyond Fitness: The Mental Angle
Raducanu’s challenges have not been confined to physical fitness alone. The psychological strain of maintaining expectations since her unprecedented US Open victory has been a recurring theme. Observers note that her ability to balance pressure with enjoyment could be crucial to how her career unfolds from here. The United Cup, with its team environment and supportive atmosphere, may offer a fresh and less solitary context for her to rediscover her competitive spark. The Guardian
Team GB’s Supportive Environment
Great Britain’s United Cup squad — including players such as Billy Harris, Olivia Nicholls, and Neal Skupski, with Tim Henman serving as team captain — brings a depth of experience and camaraderie that could help Raducanu regain confidence. While Jack Draper was initially expected to play alongside her, his late withdrawal due to injury meant Billy Harris
