On Friday evening, Jack Draper announced his absence from all competition during the 2026 Australian swing.
Just days before the announcement, Draper told tennis fans that he would be competing in Australia.
However, Draper and his team had a change of heart, and the British star will spend the first month of 2026 continuing to recover from a left arm injury that has plagued him throughout 2025.
Draper’s decision means he will be absent for the United Cup – a mixed-gender team competition taking place in Australia. British number four Billy Harris will fill in as Draper’s replacement.
Who is to blame for Jack Draper’s injury issues?
Emma Raducanu, who is also representing Great Britain at the event, has sent Draper a message from the beachy landscape of Rottnest Island.
Emma Raducanu wishes Jack Draper all the best in his injury recovery
In an interview for Sky Sports, Raducanu stressed the importance of Draper to British tennis while sending a message of support from herself and the British team.
“Obviously we would love to have him in the team,” Raducanu said.
“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.
Great Britain’s first match at the United Cup is set to take place on January 5. The team will face off against Greece, meaning Raducanu will play former world number three Maria Sakkari in her singles rubber.
The British team will also play Japan, meaning Raducanu will face off against four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
What does Emma Raducanu need to improve in 2026?
Raducanu will likely feel confident heading into the tournament as she has winning records against Sakkari and Osaka.
Emma Raducanu says Billy Harris has had a ‘great year’
World number 128 Billy Harris has taken on the large task of replacing Jack Draper.
The 30-year-old [pictured below, far left], who stunned Cameron Norrie at the Eastbourne Open in June, is not focusing on the pressure he may face when stepping onto court in Perth.
“No, I’m not thinking about the pressure. I’m just looking forward to getting into the matches,” Harris told Sky Sports.
“Played it last year in Sydney, got some good matches, but yeah, looking to get some wins this time.”
Harris represented Great Britain at the 2025 United Cup. Despite his best efforts, he lost all three of his singles matches.
Heading into the 2026 event, Emma Raducanu has faith in her compatriot.
She said: “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. So it’s nice to spend some time with [Harris] in the team environment. We’re having a good time.”
