Tim Henman has been a mainstay as Great Britain’s United Cup captain since the tournament’s inception in 2023.
The British tennis icon has overseen Great Britain qualifying for the knockout stages of the event in two out of three years.
In 2026, Henman will be boosted by Emma Raducanu‘s debut at the tournament, although he has lost Jack Draper from the United Cup.
Henman has spotted several positives while watching the likes of Raducanu and Billy Harris in practice Down Under.
Tim Henman is positive about Great Britain’s United Cup chances despite ‘underdog’ tag
Great Britain are the fifth seeds at the United Cup, but Draper’s withdrawal has damaged their chances in a tough group with Japan and Greece.
Great Britain will need to come through matches with Stefanos Tsitsipas and Naomi Osaka in order to qualify for the knockout stages.
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Despite their tough fixture list, Henman is positive after putting Great Britain through their paces in Perth.
“I really like what I’ve seen the last few days here practicing, as I said. There is that really great camaraderie amongst the whole team and the work ethic.
“The intensity in practice has been fantastic. We certainly appreciate that we have still got more work to be done when we get out on the court.
“We probably are going to be the underdogs, but I sort of feel that that gives us the freedom with nothing to lose and lots to gain, whatever the result.
“I think it is a great opportunity, a great way for everyone to start the year. It’s my first visit to Perth. The facilities and everything have been absolutely first class.”
Why Tim Henman thinks the United Cup is ‘very special’
Henman has represented Great Britain several times throughout the years, particularly in Davis Cup competition.
He is well aware of the pride that comes from representing your nation and he believes the United Cup provides a unique platform for players.
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“To come together to represent your country, I think, has always been and will continue to be the greatest honour.
“And then to have that bond, that friendship, and to be teammates rather than rivals is very special. Then when you add into that the uniqueness of this event, to be in two cities with 18 nations, best players in the world, the first week of the year in the lead-up to a Grand Slam, I think it is absolutely ideal in every way.
“As a Captain, I’m excited about it. When you hear this group of players talk about it, they are ready to go as well.”
Great Britain’s campaign begins on 4 January, when Raducanu plays Osaka and Harris plays Shintaro Mochizuki.
