Emma Raducanu made a schedule change for the start of the 2026 season as the world No. 29 is set to kick off her season at the United Cup instead of the ASB Classic in Auckland.
In the first week of the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Raducanu competed at the WTA 250 tournament in Auckland. The British tennis player was also slated to the 2025 season in Auckland, but withdrew from the tournament shortly after arriving due to a back injury.
After signing up for Auckland in each of the past three years, the 22-year-old opted for a change of scenery and plans to represent Great Britain for the first time at the United Cup, which takes place between January 02-11. And Great Britain will have a strong team since ATP world No. 11 Jack Draper also signed up for the event.
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"To see British in Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu line up for the first time will bring new star power to the tournament," United Cup tournament director Stephen Farrow said in a statement.
Raducanu on her United Cup debut
The United Cup is a team event and Raducanu is guaranteed to appear in a few singles matches, as well as mixed doubles matches if she is picked by the team captain.
"I'm honored to be able to make my United Cup debut in January. Being able to play for Team GB with my team-mates 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," the top-ranked British female tennis player said.
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One of the interesting things to follow will be if Raducanu and Draper are picked to play mixed doubles together at the United Cup as they would certainly make one of the more interesting duos to watch.
Meanwhile, the 2021 US Open champion concluded her 2025 season in mid-October after dealing with illness but also with a couple of physical issues. In her last tournament played, she lost to Zhu Lin in the Ningbi first round.
