Britain's tennis stars Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper will unite to compete for Great Britain at the United Cup this January, marking their inaugural appearance at the mixed-gender tournament.
The nation's leading players in both WTA and ATP rankings concluded their 2025 campaigns prematurely owing to injury concerns.
Their partnership signals a fresh chapter for British representation at the event, which kicks off on 2 January across Australian venues in Sydney and Perth.
This marks a departure from previous years when Katie Boulter featured in the British squad, occasionally facing uncomfortable matches against her partner Alex de Minaur when competing against Australia.
Jack Draper has had an injury-ridden four months
| GETTYBoth players have confirmed their participation with official statements expressing their anticipation for the competition.
"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 teammates 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 extra weeks in Australia."
Draper shared similar sentiments: "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. I haven't been to either, so it will be nice to compete in a brand new city in Australia."
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Emma Raducanu's fine form was curtailed by her own medical problems, encountering dizziness on court at the Wuhan Open
| REUTERSThe tournament will mark their first competitive appearances following injury-disrupted campaigns that curtailed their 2025 seasons.
Draper's troubles began with an arm injury following Wimbledon, prompting a seven-week absence before his return at the US Open.
Despite partnering Jessica Pegula in mixed doubles and reaching the semi-finals, his singles campaign ended abruptly after just one match due to bone bruising in his left arm.
Raducanu encountered difficulties during the Asian tour, squandering match points in two defeats before retiring from the Wuhan Open's opening round whilst experiencing dizziness.
Emma Raducanu has had a rollercoaster of a career to date
|GETTY/GBNEWS
Her campaign concluded following an unexpected early departure from the Ningbo Open, where medical staff monitored her condition during play.
Prior to their Australian campaign, both players have scheduled preparatory appearances to regain match fitness.
Draper will compete at the UTS London exhibition in December, whilst Raducanu has arranged a single exhibition encounter against Amanda Anisimova in Miami.
These warm-up events precede their journey to Australia for the United Cup, which serves as preparation for the Australian Open.
The tournament features other notable participants, including Poland's world number two Iga Swiatek alongside Hubert Hurkacz, whilst Australia fields de Minaur and Maya Joint.
Group stage matches will be distributed between Sydney and Perth, with the draw determining Britain's venue allocation.