In October it was announced that reigning Indian Wells Masters champion Draper and 2021 US Open winner Raducanu would lead Great Britain at the United Cup.
On paper, Great Britain had a very solid team and chances to compete in the mixed team event.
But on Friday, Draper
Now Great Britain will be led by Raducanu, who will be joined by WTA world number 275 Katie Swan and 126th-ranked ATP player Billy Harris. In doubles, the British squad will still have a solid pair as their mixed doubles team will feature world number 9 Neal Skupski and 26th-ranked Olivia Nicholls.
Since Skupski is solely focused on doubles, this means Harris will replace Draper in singles.
What Draper said when he announced his withdrawal from the United Cup?
“Unfortunately, me and my team have decided not to go to Australia this year. It is a very, very difficult decision, obviously (because) Australia is a Grand Slam, it is one of the biggest tournaments in our sport,” the 24-year-old announced via video message on Friday.
“However, I have had this injury for a long time, I am in the very last stages of the process, and to get back on court in best-of-five sets tennis so quickly does not seem like a smart decision for me and my tennis at the moment. I have obviously had my fair share of setbacks so far, but this one was by far the most difficult, the most challenging and the most complex that I have had.”
On January 4, Great Britain will take on Japan in their opening United Cup match.
Raducanu will face Naomi Osaka, while Harris will likely face Shintaro Mochizuki.
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