Emma Raducanu was cautiously optimistic after her 2026 season debut at United Cup, a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 defeat to Maria Sakkari that knocked Great Britain out of knockout stage contention.
The 2021 US Open finalist has been dealing with a foot injury since the end of last year and withdrew from her first match against Naomi Osaka before taking the court against Sakkari.
“Considering I played five, six games in practice, it is a big effort for me,” Raducanu said in the team’s post-match press conference.
“Really proud of how I kind of put myself out there, despite the scenario and situation. Also playing against Maria, who was playing really, really well. She also has a match under her belt, big win against Naomi.
“Yeah, to produce that level just by the circumstances, I have to be proud of even if it’s very difficult right now.”
