Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper have confirmed they will join forces in mixed doubles for Great Britain at the 2026 United Cup, putting to rest any doubts about their relationship following an awkward moment at this year’s US Open.
During the 2025 US Open, Draper teamed up with Jessica Pegula and the pair upset Carlos Alcaraz and Raducanu in the opening round. The chilly handshake between the two Brits afterward sparked plenty of chatter, but it appears both have moved past it as they prepare for a fresh start next season.
Raducanu said she’s excited to represent her country again and embrace a new team format, adding that the United Cup also gives her the chance to enjoy extra time in Australia.
The tournament will run from January 2–11 across Sydney and Perth, featuring 18 nations. Each team will field three men and three women, meaning Great Britain still has four roster spots to finalize.
**Both Players Cut Their 2025 Seasons Short Due to Injury**
Injuries halted the momentum of both Raducanu and Draper late in the 2025 season. Draper last competed at the US Open, making a strong run to the mixed doubles semifinals with Pegula before pulling out of singles due to an arm issue. He later announced on social media that he would miss the rest of the season to fully recover.
Raducanu, meanwhile, played four WTA events after New York but struggled physically, including limited movement at the Ningbo Open because of recurring lower-back problems. She, too, ended her season early to focus on rehabilitation.
Now fully focused on 2026, both stars will launch their comeback at the United Cup—this time as partners on the same s
ide of the net.
