Great Britain’s hopes of achieving success at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals have been dealt a major setback after Emma Raducanu withdrew from the competition.
The British No1 looked poised to play a key role for Anne Keothavong’s side in the high-profile team event in Shenzhen, China later this month, but has now decided to play at the Korea Open in Seoul instead after being offered a wildcard entry for the WTA 500 tournament.
“Of course we are disappointed,” a Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) spokesperson responded to Raducanu’s decision in a statement. “However, we believe we have a great team and we're looking forward to competing in Shenzhen.”
Keothavong has already decided on a replacement for Raducanu, having named Francesca Jones alongside Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal and Jodie Burrage in her lineup ahead of a quarter-final meeting with Japan on September 18.
If they win that tie, then either Kazakhstan or the United States will await in the semi-finals.
“Lexus Great Britain Billie Jean King Cup Team Captain, Anne Keothavong, has announced her team that will represent Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen between 16-21 September,” the LTA announced on Friday.
“Keothavong has selected a strong team for the showpiece event of the women’s team tennis calendar, including two players ranked inside the top 50 in Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, world No.89 Francesca Jones as well as former world No.85 Jodie Burrage.
“British No.1 Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from this year's Finals in Shenzhen.”
Raducanu also did not play in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers back in April, when a team comprised of Boulter, Kartal, Burrage, Harriet Dart and Olivia Nicholls topped Group F after respective 2-1 wins over Germany and the Netherlands.
Last year they reached the semi-finals in Malaga, losing 2-1 to Slovakia. They lost to Australia at the same stage in 2022 and have not made it through to the final of the competition since 1981, when they were beaten by the USA in the showpiece of the then Federation Cup in Tokyo.
