Perth, Australia – Naomi Osaka began her 2026 season with a victory for Japan at the United Cup on Saturday, defeating Katie Swan after Emma Raducanu withdrew from their scheduled singles match due to a fitness concern. Despite Osaka’s win, Great Britain ultimately secured the overall match victory with a 2-1 scoreline, clinched by a deciding mixed doubles win. This early-season tournament serves as a crucial warm-up for players ahead of the Australian Open.
The match, held in Perth, saw Osaka overcome Swan 7-6 (7/4), 6-1. Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, was unable to compete, leaving Swan to step in as a replacement. Germany also saw success in Sydney, defeating the Netherlands 3-0 with a dominant performance from Alexander Zverev.
Osaka Secures Win in United Cup Debut for 2026
Osaka expressed satisfaction with her performance, stating she was proud of her fight despite never having played in Perth before and finding the conditions challenging. The United Cup is a mixed-team event featuring 18 nations, providing valuable competitive play before the first Grand Slam of the year. This tournament allows players to adjust to the Australian conditions and test their form.
However, Great Britain’s Billy Harris started the day strong, defeating Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, stepping in for the injured Jack Draper. Harris acknowledged some initial shakiness but was pleased to close out the match effectively. The deciding point came in the mixed doubles, where Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls triumphed over Yasutaka Uchiyama and Nao Hibino 7-5, 4-6, 10-7.
Meanwhile, in Sydney, Alexander Zverev demonstrated his readiness for the Australian Open with a commanding victory over Tallon Griekspoor. Zverev won 7-5, 6-0, dropping only seven points in the second set. He noted the difficulty of finding a rhythm in the first set but was ultimately happy with the win.
Zverev’s Dominant Performance Signals Strong Form
Zverev’s performance is particularly noteworthy as it was his first match of 2026. He appeared sharp and focused, suggesting he has prepared well for the demanding season ahead. Additionally, Eva Lys contributed to Germany’s sweep by defeating Suzan Lamens 6-2, 6-2, and the German team secured the doubles victory as well.
Great Britain’s captain, Tim Henman, remained optimistic about Raducanu’s potential participation later in the tournament, stating they were keeping a close watch on her condition. The team will likely assess her fitness daily to determine if she can return to play. Injuries are a common concern during the early stages of the season, and teams are carefully managing player workloads.
The United Cup provides a unique format, combining men’s and women’s singles and doubles matches to determine the overall team winner. This format adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the competition. The event is designed to promote both individual player development and national team spirit.
Looking ahead, the Australian Open is scheduled to begin on January 18th. Players will continue to compete in the United Cup and other warm-up events to fine-tune their games and prepare for the challenges of the Grand Slam. The fitness of key players like Raducanu will be a major storyline to watch in the coming days, as will the continued strong performances from players like Naomi Osaka and Alexander Zverev. The outcome of the United Cup could provide valuable insights into potential contenders for the Australian Open title.
