Emma Raducanu recreates Roger Federer's iconic quokka selfie in Australia during fun United Cup outing with Team Britain

Emma Raducanu recreated Roger Federer's iconic quokka selfie as Team Great Britain visited Rottnest Island on Wednesday, December 31. Raducanu-led Team GB took some time off to participate in fun activities ahead of the 2026 United Cup in Perth, starting on January 2.

Emma Raducanu enjoyed her best season since 2021 when she won the US Open in 2021. The 23-year-old reached the semifinals in Miami and finished 2025 as the World No. 29. Raducanu will target a strong start to the 2026 season, which will begin with the United Cup, the ATP/WTA 500 event in Perth and Sydney.

However, before getting back to action, Raducanu and her team visited Rottnest Island, located just outside of Perth. As the team enjoyed the beach, Raducanu took a few selfies with her teammates and a local animal, a quokka.

Emma Raducanu's visit to Rottnest Island on December 31, 2025 - Image source: Getty

Clicking a selfie with a quokka just before the start of the season was a tradition started by Roger Federer in late 2017. Federer's selfie with a quokka boosted Rottnest Island's tourism in 2018 and also helped the Swiss legend win the season-opening Hoffman Cup with Belinda Bencic.

Rafael Nadal copied Federer by taking a selfie with a quokka before the 2020 season and reached the final of the inaugural ATP Cup with Team Spain. Novak Djokovic also joined his Big 3 members as he clicked a selfie with quokkas before the start of the 2024 season.

After clicking a selfie with a quokka, Emma Raducanu will be hoping for the same fortune for Team Britain, who have never progressed beyond the semifinals in the United Cup's history.

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Emma Raducanu leads Team Great Britain's hopes at 2026 United Cup after Jack Draper's withdrawal

Emma Raducanu's strong 2025 season helped her finish as the No. 1 British player in the women's singles. She is representing Team Britain at the United Cup for the first time and will look to start strong in Perth.

However, Team Britain suffered a shock after their highest-ranked player, Jack Draper, withdrew from the team due to an injury. After breaking into the top 5 in the men's singles rankings this season, the 24-year-old suffered an arm injury before the second round of the US Open.

Draper was scheduled to make his return at the exhibition match in Macau this month and was also named in the Team Britain for the 2026 United Cup. However, just a week before the start of the United Cup, the World No. 10 confirmed that he will miss the Australian swing of the new season, leaving Emma Raducanu-led Team Great Britain in shock.

Jack Draper's replacement, Billy Harris, is ranked outside the top 100 in the men's singles. Harris has never played a tour-level match against a top 100 player on hardcourts, and is confirmed to play all singles matches at the 2026 United Cup.

Neal Skupski and Katie Swan will join Raducanu and Harris in Team Great Britain at the 2026 United Cup.

Edited by Mitali