Emma Raducanu’s BJK Cup Withdrawal Leaves Keothavong Disappointed but Hopeful
Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong admitted she was “naturally disappointed” by Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal from the qualifiers, but she remains optimistic about the team’s chances.
Speaking ahead of their opener in The Hague, Keothavong expressed empathy for Raducanu’s decision, recognizing the 21-year-old’s need to prioritize her fitness following a string of injuries over recent seasons.
> “Naturally disappointed, but equally, I understand where she’s coming from. She gave a lot to this team last year and was a huge part of our success.”
Raducanu, who showed flashes of brilliance with a quarterfinal run at the Miami Open, opted out of the tie and also withdrew from the WTA 250 in Rouen, citing the need to manage her body. Still, she’s expected to play upcoming bigger events like the Madrid Open and Italian Open.
Team GB’s firepower without Raducanu
While Raducanu’s absence is a blow—especially after her unbeaten run in last year’s Cup campaign—Keothavong is backing her lineup of Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Harriet Dart, Jodie Burrage, and Olivia Nicholls to step up.
> “I’ve got five players here who are highly motivated, excited to be here, and well prepped.”
Recap of Raducanu’s rollercoaster 2025
Raducanu began her year with modest success at the Australian Open, followed by a worrying four-match losing streak across Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. She broke the slump in Dubai with a win over Maria Sakkari and finally made a statement in Miami, beating seeded players like Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova before falling to Jessica Pegula in the quarters.
Though fans hoped to see her carry that momentum into team competition, her careful scheduling reflects a longer-term vision for her career longevity.
Keothavong concluded with hope:
> “I really hope Emma will be part of this again in the future.”
Great Britain faces Germany and the Netherlands in the qualifiers—battles that will test the depth and spirit of this new-look squad.