Such is the aura radiating from Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper – two global stars whose appeal stretches far beyond the baseline – that Great Britain will be represented by its most magnetic pairing in the four-year history of the United Cup.
Magazine covers and social media buzz were a part of their 2025 story, but it didn’t stop either from posting impressive seasons on their respective tours – nor did the weight of expectation that comes with being British No.1s.
Starting the year ranked No.15, Draper thrived Down Under, heroically battling through three consecutive five-set epics (two of which against Aussies) to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open for the first time in his career.
“It was amazing, an electric atmosphere,” Draper said of the Aussie crowd after outlasting Thanasi Kokkinakis after more than four hours. “It gave me energy, giving it back [to the crowd] a little bit. It’s just a bit of fun. They say stuff to me, it’s nice to give them an ear back.”
The performance was a glimpse of Draper’s passion and personality set to light up the United Cup in January 2026.
Draper’s body sadly gave way in the fourth round against Carlos Alcaraz, but his AO campaign proved the perfect launchpad for a year that saw him soar to a career-high world No.4.
The 6’4” lefty claimed his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, reached finals in Madrid and Doha, and a quarterfinal in Rome. Deciding to shut down his 30-9 season after the US Open, a refreshed Draper will head to Australia ranked world No.10, with trophies in his sights.
Alongside him will be Raducanu, who enjoyed a resurgent season which she finished inside the WTA top 30. It was a welcome turn for the 22-year-old, who has battled to stay fit and consistent since her unforgettable 2021 US Open triumph as a teenage qualifier.
Raducanu reached the third round at three of the four Grand Slams in 2025 and made notable runs to the Miami quarterfinals and Washington semifinals.
"I'm honoured to be able to make my United Cup debut in January," Raducanu said after ending her season in October.
"Being able to play for Team GB with my teammates is a unique opportunity and a week to enjoy. It's great to experience a new format on tour, represent my country and spend a couple of extra weeks in Australia.”
Raducanu already brings a strong record in team competition, having swept all her singles matches in Great Britain’s 2024 Billie Jean King Cup campaign (formerly Fed Cup) to help secure her team a semifinal finish.
Draper’s Davis Cup history is more mixed, though his heated 2023 win over Kokkinakis remains an instant classic, and he could reignite a Britain-Australia rivalry this summer should he take on an Alex de Minaur-led Team Australia.
Since the United Cup’s inception in 2023, Team Great Britain has split their ties 4–4. Last year’s campaign was spearheaded by Katie Boulter and Daniel Evans, and the British fanbase reliably came out in full force.
This time, with Raducanu and Draper – two global stars whose appeal stretches far beyond the baseline – British tennis has perhaps its most decorated pairing yet.
Expect packed-out stadiums, a sea of Union Jack flags, viral videos and a team brimming with the belief they are on the verge of something special.
Magazine covers and social media buzz were a part of their 2025 story, but it didn’t stop either from posting impressive seasons on their respective tours – nor did the weight of expectation that comes with being British No.1s.
Starting the year ranked No.15, Draper thrived Down Under, heroically battling through three consecutive five-set epics (two of which against Aussies) to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open for the first time in his career.
“It was amazing, an electric atmosphere,” Draper said of the Aussie crowd after outlasting Thanasi Kokkinakis after more than four hours. “It gave me energy, giving it back [to the crowd] a little bit. It’s just a bit of fun. They say stuff to me, it’s nice to give them an ear back.”
The performance was a glimpse of Draper’s passion and personality set to light up the United Cup in January 2026.
Draper’s body sadly gave way in the fourth round against Carlos Alcaraz, but his AO campaign proved the perfect launchpad for a year that saw him soar to a career-high world No.4.
The 6’4” lefty claimed his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, reached finals in Madrid and Doha, and a quarterfinal in Rome. Deciding to shut down his 30-9 season after the US Open, a refreshed Draper will head to Australia ranked world No.10, with trophies in his sights.
Alongside him will be Raducanu, who enjoyed a resurgent season which she finished inside the WTA top 30. It was a welcome turn for the 22-year-old, who has battled to stay fit and consistent since her unforgettable 2021 US Open triumph as a teenage qualifier.
Raducanu reached the third round at three of the four Grand Slams in 2025 and made notable runs to the Miami quarterfinals and Washington semifinals.
"I'm honoured to be able to make my United Cup debut in January," Raducanu said after ending her season in October.
"Being able to play for Team GB with my teammates is a unique opportunity and a week to enjoy. It's great to experience a new format on tour, represent my country and spend a couple of extra weeks in Australia.”
Raducanu already brings a strong record in team competition, having swept all her singles matches in Great Britain’s 2024 Billie Jean King Cup campaign (formerly Fed Cup) to help secure her team a semifinal finish.
Draper’s Davis Cup history is more mixed, though his heated 2023 win over Kokkinakis remains an instant classic, and he could reignite a Britain-Australia rivalry this summer should he take on an Alex de Minaur-led Team Australia.
Since the United Cup’s inception in 2023, Team Great Britain has split their ties 4–4. Last year’s campaign was spearheaded by Katie Boulter and Daniel Evans, and the British fanbase reliably came out in full force.
This time, with Raducanu and Draper – two global stars whose appeal stretches far beyond the baseline – British tennis has perhaps its most decorated pairing yet.
Expect packed-out stadiums, a sea of Union Jack flags, viral videos and a team brimming with the belief they are on the verge of something special.
