Raducanu vs Sakkari Prediction United Cup 1/5/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Emma Raducanu and Maria Sakkari clash in the 2026 United Cup on Monday, January 5. Here’s our Emma Raducanu vs Maria Sakkari prediction. This preview will also include an Emma Raducanu vs Maria Sakkari pick.

Tournament Details

Tournament name: United Cup
Host cities: Perth, Sydney
Date: 2 – 11 January 2026
Field: 18 countries
Total prize money: $11,806,190
Tie: Greece vs Great Britain

Emma Raducanu vs Maria Sakkari Preview

Emma Raducanu was forced to withdraw from her opening match at the 2026 United Cup because of a foot injury. Raducanu was among the first players to commit to play the fourth edition of the mixed team competition, which will be her debut.

But an hour before her anticipated blockbuster against Naomi Osaka, she pulled out and was replaced by Katie Swan. Swan lost in straight sets to the four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka, but Great Britain won the tie 2-1 thanks to wins from Billy Harris in the men’s singles and Olivia Nicholls and Neal Skupski, who combined to clinch the doubles rubber. Raducanu has been declared fit to play her second match, and it will be interesting to see whether Tim Henmann will have a last-minute change of plans.

Maria Sakkari delivered an important singles win for Greece in their opening tie against Japan. She beat Osaka in two routine sets. The match took 18 games to decide. Sakkari won 6-4, 6-2 in an hour and 34 minutes. 

Sakkari hit 3 aces in the victory. She landed 71% of first serves in play and won 66% of first serve points (27/41). Sakkari won 41% of second serve points (7/17) and saved two of four break points. Sakkari returned in mixed doubles later during the day, and together with Stefanos Tsitsipas, defeated Nao Hibino and Moyuka Uchijima in straight sets as Greece toppled Japan 3-0 in the tie.

Emma Raducanu vs Maria Sakkari Head-To-Head

Raducanu and Sakkari have played four times. Raducanu has won each of those matches in straight sets, including two bouts last season.

Emma Raducanu vs Maria Sakkari Preview

It is a concerning false start to the United Cup for Raducanu, who continues to be hampered by physical problems. It is questionable whether she can maintain that win streak against Sakkari with the current injury cloud. Sakkari is primed to break her duck against Briton, whom she has never beaten in four meetings.

Nur Said's Pick: Maria Sakkari in three sets