On Sunday morning, Emma Raducanu withdrew from Great Britain’s match against Japan.
Raducanu had been expected to play four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, whom she had beaten in their only previous meeting.
However, the British number one was not able to play and was replaced by Katie Swan.
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The British team went on to secure a 2-1 victory against Japan following Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls’ tie-clinching victory in the mixed doubles rubber.
Tim Henman, Britain’s United Cup captain, provided fans with information regarding Emma Raducanu’s physical issues while speaking to reporters in Australia.
Tim Henman says Emma Raducanu has been struggling with a foot injury
“Yeah, she struggled with her foot for the end of last year,” Henman said during the post-match press conference.
“The improvement that she’s made has been fantastic. She’s been practising in London, really only doing static drills, to be out on the practice court and moving and playing games. She is very close.
“In terms of tomorrow, it’s still a little bit up in the air. We’re kind of forced to put Emma on the list because if we didn’t do that, then that only gives us one option.
“When we get back tonight, we’ll discuss it as a team. I think Katie [Swan] did such a good job today. You think about her journey over the last 12, 18 months, to be out there against a Grand Slam champion on a big stage like that in a huge event representing her country, I thought her performance was brilliant.
“Look, I’m very happy whoever plays. Likewise whether it was Billy [Harris] or Jan [Choinski], they’ve both been practicing great. We do have options. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
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Britain face a tough test in their next United Cup match. The team will face a Greek squad boasting Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari, both of whom were formerly ranked third in the world.
Emma Raducanu should not rush her return from injury
The last thing Emma Raducanu should do is run the risk of jeopardising her chances of playing at the Australian Open.
Raducanu may need to follow Jack Draper’s example and withdraw from the United Cup in order to better prepare for future tournaments and improve her chances of enjoying an injury-free career.
Of course, this is easier said than done; a professional player’s appetite for competition can be an overwhelming desire.
If Raducanu were to withdraw from the United Cup, it would be a hugely disappointing development for British tennis fans.
However, Raducanu’s long-term health should always be the ultimate priority – this is something that British tennis fans must remember.
