British stars Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu could pair up in mixed doubles after agreeing to take part in next year’s Fed Cup in Australia.
Great Britain, Poland and Australia are the first three teams confirmed to take part in the mixed team event, which will be held in Perth and Sydney from January 2-11, a week before the Australian Open.
Draper pulled out of the 2025 tournament due to injury before GB’s quarter-final exit, while 2026 will mark Raducanu’s Fed Cup debut.
“To meet the British [number ones] The first-time line-up of Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu will bring new star power to the tournament,” said Federation Cup Director Stephen Farrow.
Eighteen teams – with a maximum of three male and three female players per team – will be divided into six groups of three, with teams competing in a round-robin format.
Each match will include a men’s singles match and a women’s singles match featuring the top-ranked women’s singles player, as well as a mixed doubles match.
Draper and Raducanu can pair up in doubles, but organizers will likely draft two doubles specialists for the team.
Ranking points will be on offer and could be crucial for Raducanu, currently ranked 29th in the world, as he attempts to qualify as one of the 32nd seeds at the Australian Open.
“I am honored to make my Manchester United Cup debut in January,” Raducanu said.
“Being able to play for Team GB alongside my teammates is a unique opportunity and a week worth enjoying.
“It’s great to be able to experience a new format on tour, represent my country and spend a few more weeks in Australia.”
Poland has confirmed the participation of world number two Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz, while world number six Alex de Minaur and Maya Joint will represent Australia.
