Emma Raducanu has opted not to represent Great Britain in this weekend’s Billie Jean King Cup matches, a decision that has left team captain Anne Keothavong “naturally disappointed.”
Raducanu was originally set to face Germany and the Netherlands as part of Britain’s qualifying campaign but has instead decided to focus on a personal training block ahead of the clay-court season. She hasn’t competed since reaching the quarter-finals of the Miami Open, where she was defeated by eventual finalist Jessica Pegula.
A statement from Raducanu’s camp described the withdrawal as a “difficult decision,” explaining: “She needs a little space in the calendar to best look after her body.” Jodie Burrage has since been called up to replace her in the squad.
Keothavong Understands but Hopes for Raducanu’s Return
Speaking to The Guardian, Keothavong acknowledged her disappointment but emphasized her understanding of Raducanu’s priorities.
“Naturally disappointed, but I understand where she’s coming from,” said Keothavong. “She gave a lot to the team last year and was a key reason we achieved success. I hope she’ll be part of the team again in the future.”
The British captain also highlighted the positive development of women’s tennis in the UK, with increasing depth giving her more options despite Raducanu’s absence.
“We’re in a really privileged position,” she added. “It’s a nice problem to have—more players competing at a high level. It means tough decisions, but that’s what you want.”
New Format, Big Stakes
This year’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers feature six groups of three nations each, playing round-robin matches over three days. The group winners will advance to the finals in China this September.
Raducanu isn’t the only star skipping the competition—world No. 1 Iga Swiatek has also withdrawn from Poland’s fixtures to focus on training.
Despite the high-profile absentees, Team GB remains optimistic about their chances, bolstered by a motivated lineup and home support
