Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu may be Group E rivals at the United Cup in Perth, but on Wednesday they enjoyed a relaxing New Year’s Eve morning as they led Team Japan and Team Great Britain to an outing on Perth’s famous Rottnest Island.
Under sunny skies and in warm temperatures far removed from the winter cold in their respective countries, Osaka and Raducanu enjoyed a whirlwind visit, during which they laid eyes on the island’s famous quokkas and set foot on stunning beaches.
“The colour of the water is beautiful and it’s amazing to see a quokka for the first time,” Raducanu said. “I wish I could have stayed longer. It’s been a great experience and I’m so happy I could witness this with my own eyes.”
Osaka added: “I just saw some quokkas and it’s a beautiful island. I’m really happy I was able to come."
Joining the WTA stars were Great Britain’s Billy Harris, who has been elevated to play singles following Jack Draper's withdrawal due to injury, and Shintaro Mochizuki.
“It was good getting up close and personal with the quokkas,” Harris said. “I remember seeing Federer over here taking selfies with them. I’ve only been here two days but I’ve enjoyed the nice weather, the nice scenery and the friendly people."
Mochizuki said, “It’s been very cold in Japan so I felt very good when I got here. I also went to the wildlife park and the zoo and saw kangaroos and koalas. I’ve been having a good time here.”
Play begins 2 January in Perth and 3 January in Sydney.
