The British No. 1 was set for her first competitive match since mid-October after ending last season early due to physical problems in China, but she withdrew from her match against Naomi Osaka.
No official reason was given for her withdrawal, but with just a fortnight to go until the start of the Australian Open, GB team captain Tim Henman hinted at a cautious approach to Raducanu’s fitness.
“I have to be honest, she was very, very close,” Henman told Australian broadcaster Nine. “It was not an easy decision. She had built up and practiced very well.
“I don’t think she’s necessarily out of this tournament yet.”
Raducanu, who could be seeded at the first Grand Slam of the year, excused himself from a pair of friendlies in the United States last month to regain full fitness for the 2026 season.
A minor bone bruise on her right foot was a factor but was not thought to prevent her from completing pre-season preparations with new coach Francisco Roig in Barcelona last month.
She could make her comeback in GB’s next Group E appearance against Greece on Monday after Henman’s side defeated Japan.
Katie Swan came into action with Raducanu sidelined, slumping to a 7-6 (4) 6-1 defeat by former world number 1 Osaka after Billy Harris defeated Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6 (4) 6-3.
In the deciding mixed doubles match, Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls defeated Yasutaka Uchiyama and Nao Hibino in a thrilling tie-break to triumph 7-5 4-6 10-7.
After the win, Henman elaborated on Raducanu during a press conference, saying: “She struggled with her foot at the end of last year and the improvement she has made has been fantastic.
“She’s been practicing in London, basically just static drills, to be on the practice field and move around and play games. She is very close.
“As for tomorrow, it’s still a bit up in the air. We’re a bit forced to put Emma on the list because if we don’t, it only gives us one option.
“When we come back tonight we will discuss it as a team.”
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