Emma Raducanu has officially announced her return to professional tennis, with the United Cup in early 2027 marking her competitive comeback following an extended injury absence. The British star will represent Great Britain at the mixed-team event, where she will be joined by fellow countryman Arthur Fery.
Raducanu’s absence from the circuit stemmed from a stress fracture that forced her to miss major tournaments including the 2026 Wimbledon and US Open. The layoff represents a significant period away from competition for the player who won the US Open as a qualifier in 2021.
Return to United Cup
This will be Raducanu’s second appearance at the United Cup, the prestigious mixed-team tournament that brings together elite players from nations across the globe. The event features competition among teams representing countries including Great Britain, alongside squads from powerhouses like the United States, Greece, Poland, and Australia, with stars such as Coco Gauff, Ben Shelton, Maria Sakkari, Iga Swiatek, and Victoria Mboko set to feature in the competition.
Protected Ranking Status
To facilitate her comeback, Raducanu will utilise a protected ranking when entering the United Cup, a mechanism that allows players returning from injury to compete using their previous ranking status rather than entering from outside the top positions. This approach enables her to secure tournament entry without having to rebuild her ranking through lower-level events.
The decision to target the United Cup as her return venue reflects a measured approach to her comeback, with the team format providing a structured environment for her first matches back on the professional stage following the stress fracture that derailed her 2026 campaign.