Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis star and 2021 US Open champion, has opened up about her decision to withdraw from Great Britain’s squad for the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen, China (September 16-21), explaining it as a necessary step to prioritize her individual WTA career and build momentum with new coach Francisco Roig. The world No. 34, who accepted a wildcard into the WTA 500 Korea Open in Seoul (September 15-21), stated that the move allows her to focus on defending ranking points and refining her game, rather than the team event’s demands. “Everything happens for a reason,” Raducanu posted on Instagram from her Barcelona training base, breaking her silence amid backlash labeling the choice “selfish.”
The Announcement and Immediate Backlash
Raducanu’s withdrawal was announced on September 5, 2025, just days after her third-round US Open exit to Elena Rybakina (6-1, 6-2). She was initially named in captain Anne Keothavong’s squad alongside Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Jodie Burrage, and Fran Jones for Britain’s quarterfinal against Japan on September 18. The LTA confirmed the news, stating, “We respect Emma’s decision, but we believe we have a great team and we’re looking forward to competing in Shenzhen.” Keothavong echoed this disappointment: “Of course we are disappointed,” while replacement Harriet Dart called it a “huge blow” but affirmed team unity.
The decision drew sharp criticism, with fans on X accusing Raducanu of prioritizing “big appearance fees” over national duty. “Emma snubbing Team GB for Korea Open cash? Disgraceful,” one user posted (@TennisFanatic22). Media outlets like *GB News* labeled her “delusional,” and *The Daily Mail* reported “considerable anger” within the LTA over the late notice (September 4). This marks Raducanu’s second BJK Cup skip in 2025, after withdrawing from April qualifiers for training with former coach Mark Petchey.
Raducanu’s Explanation: “Focus on My Game”
In her first detailed comments since the announcement, Raducanu addressed the controversy during a pre-tournament press conference in Seoul on September 16, 2025. “I need to focus on my game and get better,” she said. “The calendar is tough, and with my new coach Francisco Roig, I want time to build that relationship. The Korea Open gives me points to defend and a chance to play matches that suit my schedule.” Raducanu, who has a strong history in Seoul (semifinals in 2022, quarterfinals in 2024 before retiring injured), emphasized the strategic value: up to 280 ranking points for the winner, crucial for climbing toward a top-32 seed at the 2026 Australian Open.
She acknowledged the backlash but stood firm: “Team events are important, and I’ve enjoyed representing GB in the past—my wins in 2024 helped us reach the semis. But right now, I have to make choices that help my long-term career.” Raducanu’s partnership with Roig, Nadal’s former coach trialed post-Cincinnati, aims to refine her redirection style against power hitters like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. “Francisco brings experience—I’m excited to work with him,” she added. Petchey, her ex-coach, supported the decision: “The schedule makes zero sense—prioritizing health and rankings is smart, not selfish” (*Tennis365*).
Raducanu’s 2025 has been a resurgence: a Washington semifinal, third rounds at three majors, and 32 wins overall, climbing from No. 60 to No. 34. Skipping the French Open for scheduling, her BJK Cup absence fits a pattern of WTA focus amid injuries (wrist/ankle surgeries in 2023).
Team GB’s Response and the Bigger Debate
Keothavong remains optimistic without Raducanu: “We’re a team of fighters—Japan will be tough with Naomi Osaka, but we’re ready.” Dart, stepping in, said, “It’s a loss, but we’ll make GB proud.” Britain’s draw includes a potential semifinal against the USA or Kazakhstan if they advance.
The controversy highlights calendar conflicts, where team events like the BJK Cup clash with lucrative WTA tournaments. *The Daily Mail* noted, “International competitions are gasping for air.” Players like Swiatek and Coco Gauff have prioritized WTA play, and Tim Henman criticized: “Skipping team events for fees is short-sighted” (*Mirror*). Supporters on X defended Raducanu: “Smart choice—Emma’s building for majors, not sentiment” (@RaducanuNews).
Raducanu’s Korea Open Campaign
Raducanu opens against Cristian (No. 82) on September 17 (not before 6:00 AM BST), a rematch of their 2024 second-round clash Raducanu won 6-3, 6-4. A win sets up Krejcikova, with Swiatek in her quarter. “I’m motivated after New York,” Raducanu said. Her explanation reframes the withdrawal as career-focused, but the debate rages on—individual ambition vs. team loyalty in a relentless sport.
