By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, October 30, 2025
Photo: LTA
Britain’s best will join forces Down Under in January.
Emma Raducanu AND Jack Draper have committed to represent Great Britain at the United Cup, set for January 2-11 in Perth and Sydney.
The British pair join the Australians Alex de Minaur AND Maya Joint like early engagements in United’s fourth annual Cup.
World No 6 de Minaur will be making his fourth United Cup appearance and this time he won’t have to face the prospect of playing against fiancee Katie Boulter as Raducanu represents Team GB.
“The United Cup will be a lot of fun,” de Minaur said. “The event is unique and offers something completely different to the fans. They want to embrace the format and get behind the Aussies at home.
“The energy in the United Cup is electric. It’s fun to be on the pitch, but also on the bench, to be loud and boisterous, supporting each other.”
Reigning Indian Wells champion Draper and 2021 US Open champion Raducanu both cut their seasons short to rest and recover from injury. Draper has had a sore left shoulder that forced him to withdraw from the US Open after his first-round win.
“I’m excited to get back on the court and compete in the United Cup,” said former world No. 4 Draper. “I’ll be looking for the draw to see if Team GB will be playing in Perth or Sydney.
“I haven’t been to any so it will be great to compete in a brand new city in Australia.”
World number 29 Raducanu enjoyed a comeback season initially working with Tennis Channel analyst Mark Petchey before partnering with new coach and former Rafa Nadal coach Francisco Roig ahead of the US Open. Raducanu defeated Marta Kostyuk, Naomi Osaka and Maria Sakkari en route to the Washington DC semifinals in August. Raducanu is currently on pace to qualify for the Australian Open in January.
“I am honored to be able to make my United Cup debut in January,” said Raducanu. “To be able to play for Team GB with my team-mates is a unique opportunity and week to savour.
“It’s fantastic to be able to experience a new format in the tournament, represent my country and spend a few extra weeks in Australia.”
Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff led Team USA to the 2025 United Cup championship defeating Poland’s Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz in the final.
Here are the early commitments for the 2026 United Cup.
Poland team
Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz
Team Australia
Maya Joint and Alex de Minaur
Team Great Britain
Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper
The draw for the United Cup is set for Monday 17 November.
United Cup Facts:
- The fourth edition of the United Cup will be held from Friday, January 2 to Sunday, January 11, 2026.
- The group stage in Perth (RAC Arena) runs from Friday 2 January to Tuesday 6 January. The quarter-final matches in Perth will take place on Wednesday, January 7.
- The group stage in Sydney (Ken Rosewall Arena) runs from Saturday, January 5 to Wednesday, January 7. The quarter-finals in Sydney will take place on Thursday 8 January and Friday 9 January.
- Sydney will host two semi-finals on Saturday, January 10, followed by the United Cup final from 5.30pm on Sunday, January 11.
