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Emma Raducanu pulls out of GB squad for Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers

Raducanu reached the quarter-finals of the Miami Open last week.

By contributor PA Sport Staff
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Emma Raducanu at a press conference
Emma Raducanu reached the Miami Open quarter-finals last week (Joe Toth/AELTC/PA)

Emma Raducanu has pulled out of Great Britain’s squad for next week’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers against Germany and the Netherlands.

Raducanu reached the quarter-finals of the Miami Open last week, the British number two’s deepest run at a WTA 1000 event and her best tournament performance since her stunning US Open triumph in 2021.

The 22-year-old has featured in seven events in a busy first three months of the year and the PA news agency understands she is taking a breather for the next two to three weeks to fit in a mini-training block.

She will not participate in any WTA tournaments during that time – and it is unclear when she intends to return to action – as well as withdrawing from Britain’s five-strong team for their Billie Jean King Cup double-header in the Netherlands.

“I recognise this has been a difficult decision for Emma,” Britain captain Anne Keothavong said on the Lawn Tennis Association’s X account.

“Of course you always miss a player of her quality on the team, we’ve seen what she can do in the past representing her country, but I have the utmost belief in the players who are travelling next week and will confirm a fifth player in due course.”

Emma Raducanu serves during her Miami Open quarter-final against Jessica Pegula
Emma Raducanu is back in the world’s top 50 after her run in Miami (Lynne Sladky/AP)

Raducanu was one of three top-100 singles players in Keothavong’s original full-strength team, with Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal selected alongside former world number 70 Harriet Dart and British doubles number one Olivia Nicholls.

Britain will compete in a new round-robin qualifying format, with the top nation heading to the finals later this year.

The remaining two teams will have to compete in play-offs for the chance to return to the qualifiers in 2026.

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