Emma Raducanu suffered a painful exit from the Korea Open as Barbora Krejcikova saved three match points and came from a set down to win 4-6 7-6 (12-10) 6-1.
Raducanu looked on course to be returning to the quarter-finals and setting up a clash with World No 2 Iga Swiatek as the Briton served for the match at 5-4 in the second set.
Krejcikova, the two-time grand slam champion, saved her first match point on Raducanu’s serve to stay alive, and then saved two more in the marathon second-set tiebreak, eventually won by the Czech 12-10.
Raducanu, who herself had saved three set points to extend the pivotal tiebreak, won just one more game as Krejcikova found the break and stormed to victory in two hours and 55 minutes.
The defeat comes as a blow to Raducanu, who was defending quarter-final points from last season. The 22-year-old had opted to skip Great Britain’s involvement in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals this week in order to play in the WTA 500 event in Seoul, with the British No. 1 determined to improve her ranking over the remainder of the season.
Follow all the action from Raducanu vs Krejcikova with our live blog below:
Emma Raducanu va Barbora Krejcikova live
- Emma Raducanu beaten by Barbora Krejcikova in the last-16 at the Korea Open
- GAME, SET and MATCH! Krejcikova fought from a set down to clinch victory
- SECOND SET! Krejcikova fights through tiebreak to win and force decider
- FIRST SET! Raducanu wins first set 6-4
Emma Raducanu beaten in three sets by Barbora Krejcikova
15:32 , Mike JonesEmma Raducanu suffered a painful exit from the Korea Open as Barbora Krejcikova saved three match points and came from a set down to win 4-6 7-6 (12-10) 6-1.
Raducanu looked on course to be returning to the quarter-finals and setting up a clash with World No 2 Iga Swiatek as the Briton served for the match at 5-4 in the second set.
Krejcikova, the two-time grand slam champion, her first saved match point on Raducanu’s serve to stay alive, and then saved two more in the marathon second-set tiebreak, eventually won by the Czech 12-10.
From there, Raducanu won just one more game as Krejcikova found the break and stormed to victory in almost three hours hours.
The defeat comes as a blow to Raducanu, who was defending quarter-final points from last season. The 22-year-old had opted to skip Great Britain’s involvement in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals this week in order to play in the WTA 500 event in Seoul, with the British No. 1 determined to improve her ranking over the remainder of the season.
GAME, SET and MATCH! Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-6 Barbora Krejcikova
15:28 , Mike JonesBarbora Krejcikova comes through a thrilling contest to defeat Emma Raducanu over three sets and book her place in the quarter-finals.
An even match across two sets saw Raducanu lead and even create three match points but Krejcikova’s resolve never wavered.
She fights from a set down to claim victory. She salutes the crowd who helped her out, especially in the second set.
Raducanu performed well but lost her momentum in the deciding set and Krejcikova got the job done.
BREAK! - Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-5 Barbora Krejcikova*
15:25 , Mike JonesEmphatic.
Emma Raducanu has been blown away in this set. Another break of serve from Krejcikova puts her in control of the outcome of this match.
It’s been a brilliant fightback from the Czech and as her level has risen, Raducanu’s has fallen unfortunately.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-4 Barbora Krejcikova
15:19 , Mike JonesThe screw has definitely been turned. Emma Raducanu has played some super tennis today but Barbora Krejcikova has gone up another level.
A comfortable hold for the Czech puts her fully in control of the third set.
Raducanu can’t lost hope, Krejcikova herself was in this position in the second set and went on to win it. Raducanu has to believe she can get back into the match.
BREAK! - Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-3 Barbora Krejcikova*
15:15 , Mike JonesEmma Raducanu is pushed back and a forehand lands in the net from the Brit. That gives the first point of the next game to Krejcikova.
The Czech draws another error from Raducanu who pushes a shot too long.
The next rally is better as a deft drop touch from Raducanu forces Krejcikova forward but her lobbed return goes long.
The fight is still there from Raducanu but seh’ll be worried about these errors. Another mishit offers up two break points to Krejcikova...
... The Czech only needs one. A cross court forehand is slapped past Raducanu and Krejcikova has the advantage in the third set.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-2 Barbora Krejcikova
15:12 , Mike Jones
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-2 Barbora Krejcikova
15:11 , Mike JonesChance for Raducanu. A couple of mistakes from Krejcikova puts the Brit 15-30 ahead against the serve.
The door is slightly ajar but the Czech looks to close it by taking the next two points.
A double fault keeps Raducanu’s hopes of a break alive as the game goes to deuce.
Those hopes are raised as Raducanu moves to advantage after Krejcikova pings a forehand into the net.
The Czech twice reigns Raducanu in and eventually gets a hold of serve.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 1-1 Barbora Krejcikova*
15:01 , Mike JonesA perfect response from Raducanu who lands those ever-important first serves and troubles Krejcikova to return.
The Brit closes out her service match to love and draws level in the set.
The first break of serve could be the crucial one here. Raducanu has the chance to put some pressure on now.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 0-1 Barbora Krejcikova
14:57 , Mike JonesKrejcikova is picking up where she left off in the second set and sweeps to a hold of serve.
She gives up one point but there’s little trouble for the Czech to move ahead in the set.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 0-0 Barbora Krejcikova*
14:55 , Mike JonesBarbora Krejcikova has change her outfit as she strides back onto court. She’s put everything into this match so far and needs to get back up to her second set level.
Krejcikova has the opening serve and takes the first point as Emma Raducanu fails to land an overhead volley.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 0-0 Barbora Krejcikova
14:51 , Mike JonesThe crowd are happy. They’ve been treated to a cracking match so far and this is going to the wire.
Emma Raducanu had three match points saved and needs to shrug them off in order to fight through the deciding set.
SET! - Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-7 (10-12) Barbora Krejcikova
14:48 , Mike JonesBarbora Krejcikova wins it!
The Czech finds another gear and sneaks through the tiebreak to complete a fine comeback.
This match is heading to a third and deciding set.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-6 (10-11) Barbora Krejcikova*
14:47 , Mike JonesRaducanu saves it! She’s aggressive and comes forward for a couple of volleys at the net.
Krejcikova tries to lob but goes too long.
A double fault from Raducanu hands Krejcikova the chance to win the set...
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-6 (9-10) Barbora Krejcikova
14:44 , Mike JonesKrejcikova saves a third match point!
She has nerves of steel and goes for power when he back is up to the wall.
She also sets up another set point and pressure goes back onto Raducanu.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-6 (9-8) Barbora Krejcikova*
14:42 , Mike JonesRaducanu misses out on her first serve trying to go wide.
Krejcikova then attacks the second and smashes a return too long. Her second set point goes begging.
Raducanu earns another match point!
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-6 (7-8) Barbora Krejcikova
14:40 , Mike JonesIt’s advantage Raducanu!
The Brit has a second match point but will need to break Krejcikova’s serve.
She can’t! Krejcikova’s forehand is too strong and another match point goes for Raducanu.
Krejcikova’s next serve is good. She takes the point and has another chance to win the set.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-6 (6-6) Barbora Krejcikova
14:37 , Mike JonesAce!
Raducanu isn’t giving this up either.
We’re back to all square in the tiebreak and each point is crucial now. Whoever wins the next rally has the chance to take the set.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-6 (5-6) Barbora Krejcikova
14:36 , Mike JonesThat’s lovely! Krejcikova comes up to the net and lands two volleys to take the point and draw level in the tiebreak.
An overhead smash from Krejcikova brings her a set point!
Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-6 (5-4) Barbora Krejcikova*
14:35 , Mike JonesThat’s just disrespectful. Raducanu misses her first serve and Krejcikova mullers the second one to take the point.
The Czech wins the next point as well and this tiebreak is still alive!
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-6 (5-2) Barbora Krejcikova
14:33 , Mike JonesKrejcikova goes long in the next rally and hands a point back to Raducanu before the players switch ends.
Raducanu takes the next point too! She opens a lead in this tiebreak and has two serves to close out the match.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-6 (3-2) Barbora Krejcikova*
14:31 , Mike JonesRaducanu’s mini break is won back by Krejcikova with another delightful forehand.
This time it goes down the line and the players share a point each from the Brit’s two serves.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-6 (2-1) Barbora Krejcikova
14:29 , Mike JonesThe tie break begins with Emma Raducanu missing her first serve and Barbora Krejcikova failing to take advantage. She attempts a drop shot and leaves it short.
After the serve changes hands Krejcikova falls back on the backhand slice before looking to go down the line and missing the court.
The third point goes to the Czech though as she returns a wonderful forehand that lands the ball on the baseline!
Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-6 Barbora Krejcikova*
14:26 , Mike JonesAt deuce, Barbora Krejcikova wastes no time in forcing the second set into a tie break.
Incredible scenes.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-5 Barbora Krejcikova*
14:24 , Mike JonesKrejcikova stretches out her back in between games as the pressure descends on her again. She has to hold serve.
Raducanu takes the first point of this game though and then adds the second as Krejcikova hooks a forehand out of play.
The Czech takes a moment and serves to the body forcing Raducanu into the net. 15-30.
Krejcikova comes up to the net in the next rally and delicately places a fine drop shot over the net which Raducanu acknowledges as good.
A double fault from the Czech forces this game to deuce!
Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-5 Barbora Krejcikova*
14:18 , Mike JonesWow. This match has had it all but seems to be coming down to power hitting.
Raducanu fights from 0-30 down back to 30-30 on her own serve.
She then forces Krejcikova wide as the Czech attempts a cross court forehand.
Raducanu holds! She knows she will have a tiebreak in this set at least.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-5 Barbora Krejcikova
14:14 , Mike JonesRaducanu has another chance to close out the match but needs to break Krejcikova’s serve here.
The Brit finds the net trying to return the first serve and then goes too long. 30-0.
A double fault halts Krejcikova’s momentum and puts Raducanu on the board. The Brit then forces her opponent long and moves to 30-30.
Two more points for Raducanu will win her this match.
She doesn’t get any. Krejcikova roars when she close out this game and gives it an almighty fist pump.
She’s up for this one.
BREAK! - Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-4 Barbora Krejcikova*
14:09 , Mike JonesWow!
That’s pure hitting from Barbora Krejcikova who bullies Raducanu around the court in the next two rallies to secure a much needed break of serve.
Raducanu had the chance to win the match but she needs to dig deep and go again now.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-3 Barbora Krejcikova
14:07 , Mike JonesHere we go. Emma Raducanu is serving to win this match.
She starts with an ace down the T line. Wow.
Next up she sends her serve to Krejicova’s forehand. The Czech decides to play a slice and that forces Raducanu into the net. 15-15.
A backhand into the net gifts Krejcikova a lifeline, and the lead, in this game.
Raducanu doesn’t panic. She hangs in there and an attempted forehand down the line from Krejcikova finds the net! 30-30.
The next point could prove crucial and it’s won by Raducanu as Krejcikova goes long. Match point coming up for the Brit.
Raducanu remains composed and serves to the forehand. Krejcikova is slick on her feet though and she sends a winner past the Brit to force deuce.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-3 Barbora Krejcikova
14:02 , Mike JonesBarbora Krejcikova has it all to do now. Emma Raducanu is one game away from a place in the quarter-finals.
A double fault from Krejcikova gives Raducanu a point but the Czech is smooth and powerful next up. She moves to a 30-15 lead but finds the net again and keeps Raducanu interested.
At 30-30, Raducanu hits the net with a backhand. Krejcikova looks to avoid deuce and does so as Raducanu goes wide.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-2 Barbora Krejcikova*
13:57 , Mike JonesRaducanu can’t let her good work slip. She needs to hold serve here to maintain her advantage.
A long forehand gifts the first point to her opponent but she follows it up with an ace to make it 15-15.
Krejcikova then returns the next serve into the net.
Raducanu goes wide and Krejcikova whittles back her return. The Brit meets it but lofts a forehand too long!
Wow! Raducanu’s defence is asked some serious questions in the next rally but she answers them. A forehand slice tempts Krejcikova into a drop shot but she finds the net. 40-30.
Krejcikova misses out on a forehand and Raducanu holds!
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 4-2 Barbora Krejcikova
13:53 , Mike JonesThere’s a loud cheer as Krejcikova wins the first point of her next service game and backs it up with the second point too.
The crowd want her to get back into the match, they’re enjoying this contest.
Krejcikova will take some confidence from this game. She secures a hold of serve to 30 but still has work to do to get back into this one.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 4-1 Barbora Krejcikova*
13:47 , Mike JonesThis implosion from Krejcikova means Raducanu has the advantage in this match now. She just needs to hold her next three services games to win advance to the quarter finals.
She starts well by taking two points from the first two rallies of this game.
A blistering serve down the T line brings her a first ace of the match.
Her eighth point in a row from her serve sees her hold!
BREAK! - *Emma Raducanu 6-4 3-1 Barbora Krejcikova
13:44 , Mike JonesKrejcikova needed the break in play as momentum has going away from her.
She resets but begins the next game with a double fault to help Raducanu to a 0-15 lead.
Krejcikova’s accuracy has abandoned her. Two more errors, one a backhand into the net, puts Raducanu with two break points.
Raducanu needs one! Krejcikova comes up to the net and smashes a volley too long!
Emma Raducanu 6-4 2-1 Barbora Krejcikova*
13:39 , Mike JonesThere’s a spring in Raducanu’s step at the minute. He opponent is making a lot of errors and the Brit is gladly receiving them.
Raducanu’s first serve is helping in that regard. It’s quick and accurate (especially aimed into the body) which is making things a little difficult for Krejcikova.
The Czech looks to stem the tide by coming up to the net but Raducanu whips a passing forehand winner by her.
Raducanu holds serve to love!
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 1-1 Barbora Krejcikova
13:36 , Mike JonesOh! Krejcikova comes up to the net having forced Raducanu off balance. She meets the expectant volley but guides it into the tape.
A little lapse in judgement there.
And again. What should be a simple forehand is thundered into the net by the Czech.
She then volleys a smash over the back of the court and finds herself 0-40 down.
Can Raducanu break back?
Yes!
BREAK! Emma Raducanu 6-4 0-1 Barbora Krejcikova*
13:33 , Mike JonesNot the start Raducanu was hoping for.
Krejcikova, as though buoyed by losing the first set, puts a little more power into her shots and decides to attack the Raducanu serve.
It comes off sweetly and she breaks while offering just one point back to her opponent.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 0-0 Barbora Krejcikova
13:30 , Mike JonesThat was a fine set from Emma Raducanu. Full of challenges but she managed to get through them and clinch the win.
Can she back that up in the second?
The Brit has the first service game of the set.
SET ! - *Emma Raducanu 6-4 Barbora Krejcikova
13:28 , Mike JonesBarbora Krejcikova is now serving to stay in this set.
Yet, Raducanu takes the first point as the Czech finds the net in the first rally of the game.
Raducanu then adds to her lead as Krejcikova overhits a cross court forehand. 0-30.
Krejcikova takes a moment to set herself before powering a forehand of her own past Raducanu to get a point on the board.
For there, the Czech takes the next point but an attempted forehand is whipped too wide. Set point for Raducanu...
... she’s got it! Krejcikova double faults and Raducanu takes the opening set.
Emma Raducanu 5-4 Barbora Krejcikova*
13:23 , Mike JonesRaducanu is seemingly into her groove now and helps herself to a 30-15 lead before a glorious inside-out forehand from Krejcikova brings her a winner.
Raducanu responds with a nice serve and an assault on the backhand. Krejcikova is sharp on her feet though and sets up another blazing cross court forehand to draw level.
Both women trade points up to deuce before Raducanu lands a wide serve that Krejcikova cannot return.
That is wonderful!
Raducanu holds serve with the most perfect backhand defensive shot. Krejcikova has her pinned in the corner but a flick of the wrists takes the ball under the Czech’s racket as she comes forward and the Brit holds.
*Emma Raducanu 4-4 Barbora Krejcikova
13:15 , Mike JonesWe’re into the business end of this first set and Krejcikova has that look.
The look that says she’s in a contest but feels she should be winning it.
The Czech moves 30-15 ahead with the serve and sends one down the T line. Raducanu gets it back but has to defend. Krejcikova unleashes on a forehand but smokes it out of play!
Raduanu then goes on an attack of her own but a switch to the forehand sees her land the ball long. Krejcikova has a point to hold and wins it.
Emma Raducanu 4-3 Barbora Krejcikova*
13:09 , Mike JonesOh!
Krejcikova is not holding back whenever Raducanu misses her first serve and in no time she opens up a 15-40 lead.
Raducanu saves the first break point with a wide serve to the forehand before forcing an error from Krejcikova in the next rally to make it deuce.
Krejcikova then goes wide in an attempt to hit a backhand down the line.
Raducanu then hangs in there from deuce and takes advantage of a couple of errors to get herself a well earned hold of serve.
*Emma Raducanu 3-3 Barbora Krejcikova
13:06 , Jack Rathborn
*Emma Raducanu 3-3 Barbora Krejcikova
13:01 , Mike JonesDestructive.
Krejcikova wastes no time in sweeping through the next game for a hold of serve.
It still seems as though she’s feeling her way into the match.
Emma Raducanu 3-2 Barbora Krejcikova*
12:57 , Mike JonesHold for Raducanu!
Her first serve is dangerous and helps her through a testing game for the hold.
She also shows a willingness to come forward and work from the net which helps out as well.
Raducanu leads.
*Emma Raducanu 2-2 Barbora Krejcikova
12:54 , Mike JonesThere’s quite a lot of disrespect being shown to each player’s second serve at present.
Krejcikova mullers one of Raducanu’s back past her to take a lead in the next game.
Raducanu dials in and lands her next two first serves which brings errors from her opponent and he nudges ahead.
The Brit is then sent onto the defensive in the next rally and responds with some nice slices before an underhit forehand lands in the net. 30-30.
BREAK! - *Emma Raducanu 2-2 Barbora Krejcikova
12:51 , Mike JonesCan Raducanu break back immediately?
Krejcikova has the advantage in this first set and looks comfortable. She works Raducanu to the left from her serve and sweeps the ball back to the other way to take the first point of the fourth game.
Raducanu fires back with a crunching return of serve that is fizzed down the line. 15-15.
Raducanu fights her way to a break point and peppers Krejcikova’s backhand. The Czech looks to change the momentum and comes up to the net but an awkward volley is flicked out of play!
The Brit is back on serve.
BREAK! - Emma Raducanu 1-2 Barbora Krejcikova*
12:44 , Mike JonesThat previous game is a sign on how tough this is going to be for Raducanu.
She needs to make use of her serve and does so. Krejcikova comes forward in the first rally but a cross court backhand brings a point for the Brit.
There’s some serious hitting coming back at Raducanu off this hard surface. Krejcikova isn’t holding back.
At 30-15, Raducanu sends a second serve to the forehand and gives up the initiative. Krejcikova forces her way forward and volleys a backhand at the net to draw level.
The first break point comes to the Czech after a miscue from Raducanu and she takes it!
A forehand down the line sees the Czech break in this first set!
*Emma Raducanu 1-1 Barbora Krejcikova
12:38 , Mike JonesOh wow!
A lovely inside out backhand from Krejcikova ends a rally before it cand develop and shows that the Czech is just settling into the game.
She then moves Raducanu to either side before flinging over a forehand winner.
A third blistering stroke puts her 40-0 up and she holds her serve to love as well.
No nonsense.
Emma Raducanu 1-0 Barbora Krejcikova*
12:36 , Mike JonesA perfect start for Raducanu who looks aggressive as she sweeps to a hold of serve to love.
No points dropped, big serves landing and a lead on the scoreboard.
We’re underway in this round of 16 clash.
*Emma Raducanu 0-0 Barbora Krejcikova
12:35 , Mike JonesHere we go.
Raducanu sends down the first serve of the match and targets the forehand of Barbora Krejcikova. The Czech looks to slice back a return and finds the net.
Raducanu takes the first point...
*Emma Raducanu 0-0 Barbora Krejcikova
12:30 , Mike JonesRaducanu has won the toss and will serve first.
The players go through a few warm up shots now. The winner of this match will face Iga Swiatek in the next round.
Emma Raducanu vs Barbora Krejcikova
12:28 , Mike JonesThe players stride out onto court and receive their instructions from the match umpire.
Emma Raducanu looks composed and up for this one.
Raducanu explains why she isn't playing in BJK Cup
12:14 , Mike Jones“It was a truly difficult decision. I love the BJK Cup so much, and I gave it my all last year, even under difficult circumstances,” said Emma Raducanu when asked to explain her decision to play at the Korea Open instead.
She added: “However, the Korea Open was a crucial time for me to get used to my new coach, Francis, and even though it was the end of the season, I felt it was more important to work with an experienced coach ahead of the Asian swing.
“I wanted to prioritize working with him and further developing myself.”
How can I watch Raducanu v Krejcikova?
12:07 , Mike JonesThe match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Tennis.
Coverage begins at 11.30am.
When is Raducanu v Krejcikova?
12:00 , Mike JonesThe match has been scheduled last on Centre Court on Thursday 18 September.
However, the Korea Open schedule has been disrupted by rain so far.
This is Raducanu and Krejcikova’s first meeting and the winner could face top seed Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals, with the World No. 2 facing Sorana Cirstea earlier in the day.
Emma Raducanu’s BJK Cup Finals decision ‘disappointing’, says captain
11:50 , Mike JonesEmma Raducanu’s decision to skip the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in order to play in a WTA tournament is “obviously disappointing”, Great Britain’s captain Anne Keothavong has said.
Great Britain will play Japan in the quarter-finals on Thursday but will do without their No 1 ranked player, with Raducanu instead accepting a wildcard to play in the Korea Open in Seoul.
Emma Raducanu’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals decision ‘disappointing’, says captain
Raducanu warming up
11:43 , Mike JonesThe penultimate match on Centre Court is well underway with Kateřina Siniakova having taken the opening set 7-6 against Daria Kasatkina.
Emma Raducanu will be following these two on cour but it could be a little while yet before she’s out there.
The Brit is currently warming up and keeping herself fresh for the action later today.
Björn Borg talks cocaine, overdoses, cancer and why he quit tennis in bombshell memoir
11:36 , Mike JonesBjörn Borg's memoir, 'Heartbeats', opens with his 1990s hospitalisation after overdosing on 'alcohol, drugs, pills — my preferred ways of self-medication', and concludes with a prostate cancer diagnosis.
"It’s good," Borg, 69, said in a recent video interview with The Associated Press from his home in Stockholm, "to have a good beginning and a good ending."
This 292-page book, set for US release on 23 September by Diversion Books, details his love life, adventures, regrets, and the 11-time Grand Slam champion's match recollections.
Björn Borg talks cocaine, overdoses, cancer and why he quit tennis in tell-all memoir
Emma Raducanu’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals decision places spotlight on season goal
11:30 , Jamie BraidwoodIt is in the spirit of the Billie Jean King Cup that the focus should be on the collective, rather than the individual. But as the eight-team Finals begins in Shenzhen, China, there will be particular attention on Emma Raducanu’s decision to withdraw from Great Britain’s squad in order to play in the Korea Open.
Raducanu won all three of her matches at last year’s Finals as Great Britain reached the semi-finals, appearing to excel in a format that allowed the 22-year-old to represent her country. Anne Keothavong’s team play Japan in the quarter-finals on Thursday, a winnable tie that could set up a clash with either the USA or Kazakhstan in the semi-finals
Emma Raducanu’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals decision places spotlight on season goal
Britain have 'real shot' at winning BJK Cup
11:25 , Mike JonesGreat Britain captain Anne Keothavong says her team have a "real shot" at winning the Billie Jean King Cup despite the absence of Emma Raducanu.
"I think we've got a real shot at [winning] it," captain Keothavong said.
"We are the second seeds here, having reached the semi-finals twice in the past few years and come close to going further."
Raducanu to build on Francisco Roig partnership
11:19 , Mike JonesEmma Raducanu will continue working with coach Francisco Roig until the end of the year and hopes to continue seeing improvements.
“Right now we’re working through to the end of the year,” Raducanu said following her US Open exit.
“I think there are certain parts of my game which have gotten better for sure. Today my weaknesses were highlighted, but I think it’s only been three weeks, and he can’t really work miracles.
“So I know we’re doing good work, and I just look forward to continuing.”
Raducanu aims to be positive despite bruising US Open loss
11:12 , Mike JonesEmma Raducanu said she was focused on continuing to build her momentum despite a bruising 6-1 6-2 defeat to Elena Rybakina in the third round of the US Open.
The British No 1 is aiming to be seeded for the Australian Open in order to hopefully avoiding drawing the big-name opponents that ended her runs at the grand slams this season.
“I think it’s going to be important to just look at the last few months as a whole and the improvements that I’m making, because a match like that can easily get you down if you let it,” Raducanu said.
“So I’m going to try and not do that and regroup and just work hard and get ready for Asia.
“I’ve just got to do my best in the next few months until Australia to just keep working to try and close the gap.”
Emma Raducanu pulls out of Billie Jean King Cup Finals
11:05 , Mike JonesEmma Raducanu has pulled out of Great Britain’s team for this month’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals in order to play in a WTA tournament.
The 22-year-old was set to lead Britain’s line-up in Shenzhen in a couple of weeks’ time but has instead decided to play in the Korea Open the same week, for which she has been offered a wild card.
Emma Raducanu pulls out of Billie Jean King Cup Finals to play in Korea Open
Anna Keothavong on Raducanu's Billie Jean King decision
10:57 , Mike JonesEmma Raducanu decided to skip the Billie Jean King Cup in favour of playing in the Korea Open.
Great Britain captain Anne Keothavong had her say on Raducanu’s decision.
"It's obviously disappointing, but I do want the main focus to be on the players I have and the challenge we have ahead," Keothavong said on the eve of Great Britain’s tie against Japan.
"I believe in the players that I've got. How the team were able to perform in April to get us into this position was fantastic, and I see no reason why we can't do the same.
"Players will make decisions they feel is in their best interest, but my focus is just on this team. We take a huge amount of pride in this competition and we do want to be world champions."
What did Raducanu say after her first-round win?
10:50 , Mike Jones"It hasn't been easy. I feel like I've played this match for the last three days.
“So to have pulled through after waiting, I'm super pleased with how I came through.
“Tough conditions, very slow. Long rallies, long points. So happy to have gotten through."
Emma Raducanu beats the rain to finally kickstart Korea Open
10:43 , Mike JonesEmma Raducanu overcame the frustration of lengthy weather-related delays to beat Jaqueline Cristian in the opening round of the Korea Open.
The contest had been scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed because of rain and more wet weather then caused another substantial delay on Wednesday.
But Raducanu and Romanian Cristian were finally able to take to the court and it was the British No 1 who came out on top 6-3 6-4 after a tussle lasting two hours and two minutes.
Emma Raducanu beats the rain to finally kickstart Korea Open
How can I watch Raducanu v Krejcikova?
10:36 , Mike JonesThe match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Tennis.
Coverage begins at 11.30am.
When is Raducanu v Krejcikova?
10:28 , Mike JonesThe match has been scheduled last on Centre Court on Thursday 18 September, with a not before time of 11:30am (UK).
However, the Korea Open schedule has been disrupted by rain so far.
This is Raducanu and Krejcikova’s first meeting and the winner could face top seed Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals, with the World No. 2 facing Sorana Cirstea earlier in the day.
Emma Raducanu vs Barbora Krejcikova
10:20 , Mike JonesEmma Raducanu continues her Korea Open campaign against former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova in the second round in Seoul.
After a lengthy rain delay, Raducanu battled to a tough opening win over Jaqueline Cristian in the first round on Wednesday, winning 6-3 6-4 in just over two hours.
Raducanu’s match against Krejcikova will come as Great Britain take on Japan in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in China, with captain Anne Keothavong calling her absence “disappointing”.
But Raducanu is attempting to improve her ranking and a victory over Krejcikova would ensure she defends her quarter-final points from last year’s tournament.
It will be a tough test, however, with Krejcikova putting a tough year of injuries behind her by finding form and reaching the US Open quarter-finals earlier this month.
Good morning!
09:37 , Mike JonesEmma Raducanu is back in action today as she takes on Barbora Krejcikova at the Korea Open.
Raducanu had a long wait to start her first round match against Jaqueline Cristian after rain delayed the meeting from Tuesday to Wednesday.
The Brit pulled off a straight set win but now has a tough second round tie against former Wimbledon champion Krejcikova.
This match is scheduled last on Centre Court with the action due to begin around midday in the UK.
We’ll have all the build-up and live action so stick around to see if Raducanu can make it into the quarter-finals.
