ROTTNEST ISLAND, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 31: Tim Henman, Katie Swan, Billy Harris Emma Raducanu and Olivia Nicholls of Team Great Britain during a media opportunity on December 31, 2025 on Rottnest Island, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images for Tennis Australia)
BREAKING: Grand Slam champion Emma Raducanu has rallied behind teammate Billy Harris, who steps into a crucial role for Great Britain at the United Cup following the withdrawal of injured star Jack Draper. The tournament kicks off on January 5, 2025, at Perth’s RAC Arena.
Raducanu, who won the 2021 US Open and is currently ranked No. 29, takes on formidable opponents, beginning with four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka of Japan, followed by former top-10 player Maria Sakkari of Greece. Meanwhile, Harris, ranked No. 124, faces an uphill battle as he replaces Draper, competing against the higher-ranked Shintaro Mochizuki (No. 100) from Japan and the two-time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Raducanu emphasized Harris’s impressive form, highlighting his recent achievements, including his first Grand Slam match win at Wimbledon and qualifying for the US Open main draw for the first time. “Billy has had a great year; he’s really broken through,” Raducanu stated. “He’s got an amazing story, and it’s nice to spend time with him in the team environment.”
Harris, 30, expressed his eagerness to take on the challenge. “I played last year in Sydney and got some good matches but hoping to get some wins this time,” he said. “I always love playing for Team GB.”
Earlier this week, Raducanu, Harris, Osaka, and Mochizuki enjoyed a break on Rottnest Island, engaging with fans and taking selfies with local wildlife before returning to their training.
Osaka, who has previously won the Australian Open twice, described her excitement about competing again. “This is my first time playing the United Cup, so I am just trying to learn as much as I can,” she noted, reflecting on her past experiences in Perth.
The United Cup marks a significant moment for these athletes, with nations competing fiercely. The opening matches feature Spain vs. Argentina and Greece vs. Japan, igniting passions and rivalries as the tournament begins.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as the United Cup progresses and see how Raducanu and Harris perform in this high-stakes competition. The world is watching as these tennis stars strive to make their mark in 2025.
