Published: January 4, 2026 at 3:14 pm
Great Britain pulled off a hard-fought 2-1 win over Japan in their Group E opener at the United Cup in Perth on Sunday. Olivia Nicholls and Neal Skupsi held their nerve to complete a dramatic victory against Japan on a rollercoaster day.
The day began with the news of Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal from the singles match against Naomi Osaka, but it ended with joy as Great Britain triumphed in their opening tie. In between, Billy Harris downed Shintaro Mochizuki in the opening singles rubber before Osaka overcame Katie Swan to force a mixed-doubles decider.
Nicholls and Skupski edged Nao Hibino and Yasutaka Uchiyama 7-5, 4-6, 10-7 in a one-hour, 46-minute nail-biter to secure victory for their country. The closing stages also featured tactical use of a timeout from both captains: Japan’s Go Soeda called one before Nicholls served at 6/5, and Skupski promptly netted an easy volley on the following point. Henman then returned the favour by calling a timeout of his own with Briton leading 7/6, and his doubles pair subsequently reeled off back-to-back mini breaks before going on to clinch the tie.
“It was instigated by the Japan team. They went first, but it was certainly on the radar once we got into that deciding tie-break,” revealed Great Britain captain Henman in his on-court interview. “The spirit has been so good since we arrived in Perth. Their work ethic and the camaraderie has been absolutely outstanding. My request was for them to go out there and enjoy the challenge and compete for every point.”
Skupski added: “Obviously it was a very up-and-down tie-break. Both captains brought out the time out, and I was a bit confused when it all happened, but extremely proud to get through that moment. It’s a great win for GB.”
Nicholls and Skupski, along with the rest of their British teammates, will now prepare for Monday’s clash with Team Greece in Perth. The winner of that tie will qualify for the quarterfinals as the winner of Group E, while Japan is eliminated.
“Unbelievable. We had amazing support from the crowd,” said Nicholls. “I’ve actually got family here who I’m staying with in Perth this week which is making it even more special. We’ve had amazing team spirit this week. I’ve really enjoyed being part of this team, so it’s just incredible to get the win.”
The victory marked Naomi Osaka’s first career match win at the United Cup and the first in Team Japan’s history
Osaka was originally slated for a second career meeting with Raducanu, but a late lineup change handed her a new challenge in 26-year-old Swan. Osaka passed the test, though not without complications, defeating Swan 7-6 (4), 6-1 in one hour and 53 minutes. It marked Osaka’s first career match win at the United Cup and the first in Team Japan’s history, with the nation making its event debut this year.
“Just fighting, no matter what the score was,” said Osaka when asked what she was most pleased with. “I’ve never played her before and she’s a really tough opponent. And to have one of the first matches of the year is definitely really tough, but I’m glad to be back here. I haven’t been here since 2017, so thanks for having me.”
Osaka’s serve set the tone, as she won the first 10 points on her serve and 11 of the first 12. By match end, the former World No. 1 had won 78 per cent of her first-serve points and struck six aces.
The Briton battled throughout Sunday’s match, showing resolve from the opening game. She earned the first break of the match for a 4-3 lead in the first set and saved the first eight break points she faced, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to avoid a winner-take-all mixed doubles match.
Osaka broke back to level at 5-5, claimed the first-set tiebreak 7/4 and then pulled away in the second set.
Harris had earlier settled British nerves in the wake of Raducanu’s morning withdrawal with a rock-solid 7-6(4), 6-3 triumph against Mochizuki. The 30-year-old quickly handed his team a welcome boost with an impressive triumph against a player 29 spots above him in the PIF ATP Rankings.
“Great atmosphere… It got me through the match,” said Harris in his on-court interview. “A lot of Brits out here. Great to get the first win for the team. Some shaky bits in there, but I managed to close it out there in the end, so I was happy with that.”
Harris initially rallied from 3-5 in the opening set against Mochizuki but then failed to serve it out at 6-5. The Briton promptly delivered a rock-solid first-set tie-break showing, however, to capitalise on the inconsistencies of the World No. 99 Japanese.
