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Emma Raducanu Withdraws from Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers for Training
Emma Raducanu has decided to withdraw from representing Great Britain in the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, scheduled for next week, following her remarkable performance at the Miami Open where she reached the quarter-finals.
Originally set to travel to the Netherlands for matches against the Netherlands and Germany from April 10-12, the world No. 48 Raducanu has opted to focus on a training block instead. This decision follows her best result since clinching the US Open title in 2021, marked by her journey to the last eight in Miami, where she was ultimately defeated by the tournament’s runner-up, Jessica Pegula.
In addition to the Billie Jean King Cup, Raducanu was also expected to compete at the clay-court WTA 250 event in Rouen on April 14, joining players like Elina Svitolina and Sofia Kenin. However, after a rigorous few months with just a single week off from competition, she has chosen to prioritize training, with her return to competitive play yet to be confirmed.
Team captain Anne Keothavong had included Raducanu in the five-player squad alongside Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Harriet Dart, and Olivia Nicholls for the Billie Jean King Cup. Keothavong acknowledged the weight of Raducanu’s absence, stating, “I recognize this has been a difficult decision for Emma. 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 traveling next week and will confirm a fifth player in due course.”
Looking ahead, Raducanu was also due to participate in the prestigious Madrid Open from April 22 to May 4. However, it remains uncertain whether she will compete in this event as she prepares for the French Open, which begins on May 25.
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www.skysports.com