First game back ends in a defeat for Emma

EMMA Raducanu was able to make a belated season debut for Great Britain at the United Cup but suffered a first ever loss to Maria Sakkari.

- By ELEANOR CROOKS

Emma Raducanu

The 23-year-old was a late withdrawal from Britain's opening match at the mixed team event in Perth against Japan on Sunday because of a foot problem that bothered her throughout preseason.

Playing her first match since October after she struggled with illness at the end of last season, Raducanu lacked the sharpness and stamina required to make it five wins from five against Sakkari, going down 6-3 3-6 6-1 to condemn Britain to defeat against Greece.

Raducanu was supported courtside by both her coach Francisco Roig and GB captain Tim Henman, who told Sky Sports: "I said before the last match she was really, really close.