Britain’s Emma Raducanu marked her long-awaited comeback with defeat, as her Raducanu return ended against Maria Sakkari at the United Cup in Perth. The loss came on Monday, January 6, during Great Britain’s group-stage clash with Greece, setting an early tone for her 2026 season.
Raducanu fell 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in a match that highlighted both her resilience and her ongoing need for competitive sharpness. Importantly, this appearance marked her first competitive outing since October, after injuries curtailed the end of her previous campaign.
Earlier in the tournament, Raducanu withdrew from a planned match against Naomi Osaka. Nevertheless, Britain still secured a 2-1 victory over Japan, easing immediate pressure on the team. However, that momentum did not carry forward into the clash with Greece.
Britain’s difficulties deepened when Billy Harris lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas despite winning the opening set. Consequently, Raducanu entered her match needing a strong performance to keep Britain competitive in the tie.
Raducanu started brightly, breaking serve early and dictating rallies with confidence. However, Sakkari responded decisively, winning six of the final seven games to take the opening set and seize control.
Although Raducanu regrouped well to claim the second set, the decisive third set proved one-sided. Sakkari raised her intensity, while Raducanu struggled to maintain consistency as the match progressed.
This defeat matters because the Raducanu return serves as an early measure of her readiness for a demanding season. Previously, Raducanu had beaten Sakkari during her historic 2021 US Open run, making this reversal particularly significant.
Ahead of the tournament, Raducanu acknowledged pre-season nerves, explaining that returning to competition brings renewed mental and physical challenges. She also addressed public misconceptions, noting that long training days often remain unseen outside professional circles.
During the off-season, Raducanu focused on recovery after bone bruising in her right foot disrupted her late-2025 schedule. That process led her to skip exhibition events in order to prepare fully with new coach Francis Roig in Barcelona.
Roig has encouraged Raducanu to use variety and tactical flexibility, emphasizing adaptability as a core strength. Raducanu said she feels more settled entering this season, highlighting improved preparation and renewed confidence.
Despite the setback, British tennis found encouragement elsewhere as Fran Jones claimed the biggest win of her career in Auckland. Jones defeated world number 15 Emma Navarro, underlining growing depth within the national setup.
Looking ahead, the Raducanu return will continue through upcoming United Cup fixtures and early-season tournaments. Coaches expect match sharpness to improve steadily as she builds fitness and competitive rhythm ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam.
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