GB have ‘real shot’ at winning BJK Cup despite Raducanu absence

Great Britain vs. Japan: Billie Jean King Cup 2025

Location: Shenzhen, China

Despite Emma Raducanu’s absence, Great Britain captain Anne Keothavong claims her team has a “real chance” to win the Billie Jean King Cup.

For this week’s Finals, British number one Raducanu withdrew so she could compete in Seoul’s Korea Open.

For the long-term development of her game, Raducanu believed an additional week on the WTA Tour with new coach Francisco Roig would be beneficial.

Francesca Jones replaced her in Keothavong’s squad, where she will play alongside Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, and Jodie Burrage on Thursday when Britain take on Japan.

In Raducanu’s absence, Boulter, Britain’s top singles player, claims the team “would have loved” Raducanu to travel with them in China.

She is a huge asset to the team, Boulter said on BBC Sport from Shenzhen, but ultimately we must concentrate on the people who are present and ready to play.

“We have to keep looking forward because we can’t go back too far.” We made the right choice, and I believe we are in a very strong position.

It’s great to have the same group of girls as before, and Fran gives us some valuable insight.

Naomi Osaka withdrew after reaching the US Open semi-finals, leaving Japan without her number one player.

Captain Keothavong said, “I think we have a real chance of winning] it.

In April, Kartal and Burrage played in the Hague together with Boulter, helping the Netherlands qualify for the week’s eight-team finals.

For a training session with Mark Petchey, who was coaching her at the time, she sat in on those ties and left.

“I’m obviously disappointed, but I do want the players I have and the challenge we have ahead of me,” Kothavong continued.

I have faith in the players I have. I have no doubt that the team’s ability to perform in this position in April was outstanding, and I don’t think we can’t do it.

“Players will make decisions that they believe are best, but this team’s priority is mine alone,” the player said.