EMMA RADUCANU’S absence did not trouble Great Britain too much as they started their United Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Japan in Perth.

The British number one was set for her first competitive outing since mid-October, having ended last season early amid physical struggles in China, but she pulled out of her clash against Naomi Osaka.

No official reason was given for her withdrawal but with just a fortnight to go until the start of the Australian Open, GB team captain Tim Henman hinted at a cautious approach over Raducanu’s fitness.

“I’ve got to be honest, she was very, very close,” Henman told Australian broadcaster Nine. “It was not an easy decision. She had been building up and practising really well.

“I don’t think she is necessarily out of this tournament just yet.”

Raducanu, who could be seeded at the year’s first grand slam, excused herself from a couple of exhibition matches in the United States last month in order to regain full fitness for the 2026 season.

Some light bone bruising on her right foot was a factor but was not thought to stop her from last month’s pre-season preparations alongside new coach Francisco Roig in Barcelona.

She could make her comeback in GB’s next Group E outing against Greece tomorrow after Henman’s side edged out Japan.

Katie Swan was thrust into action with Raducanu sidelined and slumped to a 7-6 (4) 6-1 defeat by former world number one Osaka after Billy Harris had beaten Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6 (4) 6-3.

In the deciding mixed doubles rubber, Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls overcame Yasutaka Uchiyama and Nao Hibino in a tense match tie-break, triumphing 7-5 4-6 10-7.

Following the win, Henman elaborated on Raducanu in a press conference, saying: “She struggled with her foot for the end of last year. The improvement that she’s made has been fantastic.

“She’s been practising in London, really only doing static drills, to be out on the practice court and moving and playing games. She is very close.

“In terms of tomorrow, it’s still a little bit up in the air. We’re kind of forced to put Emma on the list because if we didn’t do that, then that only gives us one option.

“When we get back tonight, we’ll discuss it as a team.”