Emma Raducanu has decided not to represent Great Britain in the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers next week. This decision comes after her successful performance at the Miami Open, where she reached the quarter-finals.
Originally scheduled to compete in the Netherlands against the Dutch and Germany from April 10-12, Raducanu, currently ranked No. 48 in the world, has chosen to dedicate this time to training instead.
Her run to the quarter-finals in Miami was her best since winning the US Open in 2021. She was eventually defeated by Jessica Pegula, who finished as the runner-up in the tournament.
Raducanu was also expected to participate in the WTA 250 clay-court event in Rouen starting on April 14, alongside players like Elina Svitolina and Sofia Kenin. However, after a demanding schedule with minimal breaks, she will use this period to train, with her return to competition yet to be announced.
Team captain Anne Keothavong had included Raducanu in the five-player squad for the Billie Jean King Cup, along with Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Harriet Dart, and Olivia Nicholls. Despite being named, it has now been confirmed that Raducanu will not participate.
Keothavong commented, `I understand Emma`s difficult decision. We will certainly miss a player of her caliber, especially considering her past contributions to the country. However, I have full confidence in the team members who are traveling next week, and we will announce a fifth player shortly.`
Great Britain will be participating in a new round-robin qualifying format, where the top team will advance to the finals later in the year.
The remaining two teams will compete in play-offs for a chance to qualify for the 2026 qualifiers.
Raducanu was also expected to play at the Madrid Open from April 22 to May 4, but her participation remains uncertain ahead of the French Open, which starts on May 25.
