Emma Raducanu’s 2026 tennis season began with a tough setback in Perth. The former US Open champion lost to Maria Sakkari in a three-set battle at the United Cup. The defeat ended Great Britain’s campaign in the tournament. It also slowed Raducanu’s build-up to the Australian Open, now just two weeks away.
Raducanu showed fight and resilience. However, Sakkari proved too strong in the deciding set. The Greek star secured a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victory after nearly two and a half hours on court.
Pressure Mounts After Early British Loss
Raducanu entered the singles match under pressure. Great Britain were already trailing in the tie. Stefanos Tsitsipas had earlier beaten Billy Harris in straight sets. That result left Raducanu needing a win to keep Britain alive.
The British number one started brightly. She competed well in long rallies. Her movement looked sharp despite recent injury concerns. Raducanu took the second set with confident baseline play and improved serving.
However, Sakkari raised her level in the final set. She dominated with power and consistency. Raducanu struggled to keep up as errors crept into her game. The decisive set quickly swung in Sakkari’s favor.
Although Britain later won the mixed doubles match, the tie was already decided. The loss confirmed Great Britain’s exit from the United Cup.
Fitness Concerns and Long Injury Layoff
Raducanu’s performance was closely watched due to her fitness history. She had a longer off-season than most players. Her 2025 season ended early in October due to a foot injury. The issue troubled her for much of the year.
She also missed Britain’s opening United Cup match against Japan. That absence fueled speculation about her physical condition. Concerns increased when she withdrew from a highly anticipated match against Naomi Osaka just one hour before it was due to start.
Despite those doubts, Raducanu showed no clear signs of injury against Sakkari. Her movement remained steady. Her endurance held up during the long contest. The main issue appeared to be match sharpness rather than fitness.
The rust was understandable. Raducanu had not played competitive tennis for more than two months. Some inconsistency was expected at this stage of the season.
Encouraging Signs Ahead of Australian Open
While the loss was disappointing, there were positives for Raducanu. She matched a former world number three for long periods. She showed mental strength after losing the opening set. Her shot selection improved as the match progressed.
Maria Sakkari is also rebuilding her ranking. The Greek star is pushing to return to the top ten. Her experience showed in key moments, especially in the final set.
Raducanu will now shift focus to Melbourne. The Australian Open remains her primary target. This match offered valuable match practice under pressure.
The British star will hope to build momentum quickly. Staying healthy will be crucial. If she does, her performance in Perth suggests she can compete with elite players again.
The season may not have started perfectly. But Raducanu’s fight against Sakkari showed promise for the weeks ahead.
