British quantity ones Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu might companion one another in combined doubles after agreeing to play at subsequent yr’s United Cup in Australia.
Nice Britain, Poland and Australia are the primary three groups to be confirmed for the mixed-team occasion, which is able to happen in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January the week earlier than the Australian Open.
Draper pulled out of the 2025 occasion with harm earlier than Britain exited on the quarter-finals, whereas 2026 shall be Raducanu’s United Cup debut.
“To see British [number ones] in Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu line up for the primary time will convey new star energy to the event,” mentioned United Cup director Stephen Farrow.
Eighteen groups – every that includes as much as three male and three feminine gamers – shall be cut up into six teams of three, with groups taking part in these of their teams in a spherical robin format.
Every tie will comprise one males’s singles and one ladies’s singles match that includes the quantity one-ranked singles gamers, and one combined doubles match.
Draper and Raducanu might companion within the doubles, although it’s possible crew organisers will choose two doubles specialists for the squad.
Rating factors shall be on provide and will show essential as Raducanu, the present world quantity 29, tries to qualify as one of many 32 seeds for the Australian Open.
“I am honoured to have the ability to make my United Cup debut in January,” Raducanu mentioned.
“With the ability to play for Workforce GB with my team-mates is a novel alternative and week to get pleasure from.
“It is nice to have the ability to expertise a brand new format on the tour, signify my nation and spend a pair additional weeks in Australia.”
Poland have confirmed the participation of world quantity two Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz, whereas world quantity six Alex de Minaur and Maya Joint will signify Australia.
