Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka will very likely face each other in their very first tournament of the 2026 season after Great Britain and Japan landed in the same United Cup group.
In late October, the 2021 US Open champion was officially confirmed to make her United Cup debut between January 02-11. A couple of days ago, the organizers of the team event also announced that Japan would compete in the tournament for the first time and that they would be led by Osaka.
At the start of this week, the United Cup released groups for the 2026 season. In Group E, Great Britain, Greece and Japan were drawn. Since Raducanu and Osaka are the two top-ranked female tennis players from their respective countries, it is highly likely that they will meet in the opening week of the new season.
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How many times Raducanu and Osaka have played against each?
The 23-year-old Britonand 28-year-old Osaka have clashed only once against each other. It came this past summer when the Briton beat the Japanese 6-4 6-2 in the round-of-16 of the WTA 500 tournament in Washington.
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Meanwhile, here is what the British tennis star said after signing up to play at the United Cup in January.
"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 2021 US Open champion said in a statement.
It remains to be seen if Raducanu and Osaka will meet for the second time at the United Cup.
