Raducanu, Boulter Lead Britain to Billie Jean King Cup Semifinals with Victory Over Canada

Posted : 18 November 2024

Britain eliminated defending Billie Jean King Cup champions Canada in Malaga on Sunday, securing a 2-0 victory with singles wins from Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter. Raducanu, the former US Open champion, delivered a dominant performance in the opening match, defeating Rebecca Marino 6-0, 7-5. After easily claiming the first set, Raducanu faced a stronger challenge in the second, saving seven break points as Marino attempted to force a third set. Raducanu eventually broke Marino in the 11th game and sealed the match with a well-executed final hold.

Reflecting on her performance, Raducanu, ranked 58th, expressed satisfaction with her ability to handle key moments. She noted, "I'm really pleased with how I managed to step up on those big points, big moments," and added that she thrives in such situations, enjoying them despite the pressure. The victory set the stage for Boulter to clinch the tie for Britain.

Boulter, ranked 24th in the world, followed up with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 win over Leylah Fernandez, ensuring Britain’s spot in the semifinals against Slovakia. Boulter, who had also impressed in her first-round match against Germany, credited Raducanu for her role in setting the tone for the team. "Emma makes it very easy to come out here and have a swing a 1-0 up," Boulter said, expressing pride in her own performance and the team’s collective effort.

With the win, Britain aims to reach the final of the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time since 1981. They will face Slovakia, who also advanced to the semifinals with a 2-0 victory over Australia. Slovakia’s team, led by Viktoria Hruncakova and Rebecca Sramkova, secured the win after Hruncakova triumphed in a hard-fought match against Kimberly Birrell and Sramkova delivered a dominant victory over Ajla Tomljanovic, who was hindered by an injury.

Slovakia, the 2002 champions, expressed immense pride in their achievement. "It’s another big country which we beat, and I’m so proud for the girls, for our team members, for our country, because we are a small country," said Slovakia’s captain Matej Liptak. The final semifinal match will see Poland, led by five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek, take on Italy, with world No. 4 Jasmine Paolini leading her team.

Raducanu, Boulter Lead Britain to Billie Jean King Cup Semifinals with Victory Over Canada

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics