Despite her triumph at the US Open in 2021, Raducanu has faced difficulties with her form and physical condition; however, she played 50 matches last season for the first time in her career and is positioned 29th among female players globally.
The 23-year-old athlete commenced a month-long pre-season training regimen with her coach, Francisco Roig, in Barcelona last month and has since incorporated physiotherapist Emma Stewart into her support team.
Notwithstanding Raducanu’s unavailability, Great Britain managed to defeat Japan and is scheduled to compete against Greece in their subsequent Group E fixture on Monday.
“She [Raducanu] experienced issues with her foot towards the end of the previous year,” Henman remarked following the Japan encounter.
“The advancements she has made are impressive. She began practicing in London, initially performing only stationary exercises, to now being on the practice court, moving, and engaging in games. She is very close to full recovery.”
“Regarding her participation tomorrow [against Greece], it remains somewhat undecided. We are compelled to include Emma on the entry list, as omitting her would restrict us to only one alternative.”
“When we return tonight, the team will convene to discuss it.”
Fixtures at the United Cup consist of one men’s singles match, one women’s singles match, and a mixed doubles contest.
Against Japan, Billy Harris secured a 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 victory for Great Britain against Shintaro Mochizuki, before Katie Swan, who stepped in for Raducanu, was defeated 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 by Osaka.
Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls clinched the overall win for Britain by prevailing over Yasutaka Uchiyama and Nao Hibino 7-5 4-6 10-7 in a mixed doubles match that was decided by a tie-break.
“The team’s morale has been exceptional since we arrived in Perth,” Henman commented. “Their dedication and team spirit have been absolutely outstanding.”
“My instruction was for them to step onto the court, embrace the competition, and vie for every single point.”
