Raducanu sits out British win in Perth

Emma Raducanu delayed the start of her 2026 season on Sunday, with the former Grand Slam winner sitting out Britain’s 2-1 defeat of Japan in Perth at the United Cup.

Raducanu was replaced due to an unspecified fitness issue shortly before daily play began, leaving Katie Swan to face former number one Naomi Osaka.

“I don’t think she’s (Raducanu) necessarily out of this tournament just yet. So we’re keeping our fingers crossed,” captain Tim Henman told the Nine network.

It is still unknown if Raducanu will front up for her team’s next match in the 18-nation mixed event also being played in Sydney.

She sat in the team box for Sunday’s matches.

Billy Harris, standing in for injured Jack Draper, began 7-6 (4), 6-3 over Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki, who hit more than 40 unforced errors.

Harris, a former Davis Cupper, earned one of the best wins of his career.

“It’s great to get the first win, even if there were some shaky bits. I closed it out well at the end.”

Osaka was too strong for No. 276 Swan, who won the 72-minute opening set but faded with possible leg problems as Japan’s four time Grand Slam winner turned the momentum..

Osaka went one for 10 on breakpoint chances in the opening set before tightening her game to dominate Swan 7-6 (7/4), 6-1..

“I’m proud of how I fought,” Osaka said. “I’d never played here, it was tough.”