Emma Raducanu’s decision to withdraw from Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals squad for the 2025 event in Shenzhen, China (September 16-21), has drawn sharp criticism from Team GB captain Anne Keothavong, who called the move “disappointing” and highlighted the frustration felt by the team. The 22-year-old British No. 1 and 2021 US Open champion opted to prioritize the WTA 500 Korea Open in Seoul, where she suffered a devastating second-round loss to Barbora Krejcikova on September 18, collapsing from a set and 5-2 up with three match points to lose 4-6, 7-6(12-10), 6-1. Raducanu’s absence from the BJK Cup, her second withdrawal in 2025, has fueled accusations of prioritizing personal gain over national duty, with Keothavong’s remarks underscoring the rift as Team GB advanced to the semifinals without her.
The Withdrawal: A Strategic but Costly Move
Raducanu’s withdrawal was announced on September 5, 2025, days after her third-round US Open exit to Elena Rybakina (6-1, 6-2). Initially named in Keothavong’s squad alongside Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Jodie Burrage, and Fran Jones for the quarterfinal against Japan on September 18, Raducanu cited the need to focus on her individual WTA career and build with new coach Francisco Roig (Rafael Nadal’s former coach). The Korea Open offered 280 ranking points for the winner, crucial for her No. 33 ranking to secure a top-32 seed at the 2026 Australian Open, while the BJK Cup provided no points and limited prize money ($120,000 for winners).
In a Seoul press conference on September 16, Raducanu explained: “I need to focus on my game and get better. The calendar is tough, and with Francisco, I want time to build that relationship.” She acknowledged her past BJK Cup contributions—her 2024 wins helped GB reach the semifinals—but stood firm: “I have to make choices that help my long-term career.” Her Instagram post from Barcelona training, “Everything happens for a reason,” hinted at defiance amid the backlash.
Keothavong’s Fury: “Of Course We Are Disappointed”
Keothavong, a former British No. 1 and Team GB captain since 2017, did not hold back in her September 17 press conference in Shenzhen. “Of course we are disappointed,” she said, per *BBC Sport*. “Emma’s a key player, and her presence would’ve made a huge difference against a tough Japan team with Naomi Osaka. But we respect her decision and move forward with the squad we have.” Keothavong emphasized team unity: “Katie, Sonay, Jodie, and Fran are fighters—we’re here to win.”
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) echoed her frustration, noting “considerable anger” over Raducanu’s late notice on September 4, according to *The Daily Mail*. Replacement Harriet Dart called it a “huge blow” but vowed, “We’ll make GB proud.” The team delivered, sweeping Japan 3-0 on September 18, with Boulter defeating Moyuka Uchijima 6-1, 6-3, Kartal edging Osaka 6-4, 7-5, and Burrage/Jones sealing the doubles 6-3, 6-4. The win sets up a semifinal against the USA or Kazakhstan on September 20.
Backlash and Fallout: A Divided Response
Raducanu’s decision, her second BJK Cup skip in 2025 after missing April qualifiers, ignited a firestorm. Fans on X branded her “selfish”: “Emma chasing Korea Open cash over Team GB? Disgraceful” (@TennisFanatic22). *GB News* called her “delusional,” while *The Times* noted the optics of prioritizing “big appearance fees” (potentially $100,000+ in Asia) over national duty, especially given her Chinese heritage could’ve boosted Shenzhen viewership.
Supporters, however, backed her pragmatism. “Smart move—Emma’s building for majors, not sentiment,” posted @RaducanuNews. Former coach Mark Petchey told *Tennis365*: “The schedule makes zero sense—prioritizing health and rankings is smart.” Raducanu’s 2025 resurgence—32 wins, a Washington semifinal, three major third rounds—shows progress, but her Seoul collapse (45 unforced errors, 42% first-serve rate) has intensified scrutiny. “She gambled on Korea and choked—bad look after snubbing GB,” wrote @TheTennisLetter.
The Price Paid: A Missed Opportunity
Raducanu’s Korea Open loss to Krejcikova, where she squandered three match points, cost her 108 ranking points from her 2024 quarterfinal, potentially dropping her to No. 36. Meanwhile, Team GB’s Shenzhen success without her—reaching the semifinals for the second straight year—underscores the irony. Keothavong’s “disappointed” verdict reflects the team’s resilience but also the sting of Raducanu’s absence.
As Raducanu heads to the China Open (September 24-30) with no points to defend, she has a chance to rebound. But the BJK Cup saga—infuriating her captain and dividing fans—casts a shadow. With Roig’s guidance, Raducanu aims for top-30 status, but the price of her controversial choice is clear: a missed team triumph and a dented reputation in a sport that demands loyalty as much as talent.
