Emma Raducanu made the controversial decision not to travel to China for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
The British number one won’t be joining her Team GB teammates in Shenzhen, as she competes in Seoul at the Korea Open WTA 500 event instead.
For Raducanu, the decision looks to have already paid off, as she defeated Jaqueline Cristian in the first round, although her fellow Brits might not view things the same.
Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images
The 2021 US Open champion went undefeated at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals 12 months ago, and she will be a big miss for a nation looking to pick up their maiden title.
Reacting to the news, Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain, Anne Keothavong, has shared her thoughts.
Anna Keothavong admits it was ‘disappointing’ to see Emma Raducanu drop out
During Team GB’s pre-tournament press conference, Keothavong had this to say about Raducanu’s withdrawal.
“Yeah, obviously just disappointing not to have your top player here,” she said.
Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images for LTA
“But look, as I’ve said before, we’re here and we’re ready to go tomorrow. The players I’ve got here are well-prepared and excited about the challenge of taking on Japan tomorrow.
“This is a competition that means a lot to all of us and one that we really want to do well together as a team. Look, I’m feeling confident as captain with the players I have here.
“Yeah, just really excited to get going.”
Despite Raducanu’s absence, Keothavong will still have three top-100 players at her disposal in Shenzhen.
PlayerWTA RankBillie Jean King Cup recordKatie Boulter5513-6Francesca Jones73–Sonay Kartal822-0Jodie Burrage1490-1Team GB at the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals
British number two Katie Boulter, the most experienced member of the team, believes they have a strong chance, even without Raducanu.
“I feel like each and every one of us has the heart and has a lot of fight for our country. I think that just comes naturally, too. I think we showed it at the start of the year,” she said.
Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifying round (April 2025)Great Britain defeated Germany (2-1)Great Britain defeated the Netherlands (2-1)
“Sonay [Kartal] making her debut, which was pretty incredible, just stepping up for her country multiple times. It’s not easy to do. It looked very easy for her. I can assure you it’s not. Obviously, Jodie [Burrage] and I getting our first win together for the country.
“Really pleased to have everyone here. Of course, Fran [Jones] joining the team as well, really enjoying her company so far. I’m sure we’re going to bring a lot of fight in the next couple of ties.”
Great Britain will hope to begin their Billie Jean King Cup campaign with a big win against Japan, but what’s next for Raducanu over in Korea?
Emma Raducanu edges closer to Iga Swiatek clash in Seoul
Raducanu was given a nightmare draw in Korea, placed in the same section as the world number two, Iga Swiatek.
The pair could face off in the quarterfinals, in what would be their sixth career meeting.
MatchWinnerLoserScore2025 French Open – 2RIga SwiatekEmma Raducanu6-1, 6-22025 Australian Open – 3RIga SwiatekEmma Raducanu6-1, 6-02024 Stutgart – QFIga SwiatekEmma Raducanu7-6, 6-32023 Indian Wells – 4RIga SwiatekEmma Raducanu6-3, 6-12024 Stuttgart – QFIga SwiatekEmma Raducanu6-4, 6-4Emma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek’s head-to-head record
Raducanu has yet to beat Swiatek on the WTA Tour and has won just four games against the Pole across their last two matches.
She’d love a chance to produce a better performance in Seoul, but won’t want to get too far ahead of herself.
The Brit will have to beat another French Open champion if she wants to face Swiatek, with Barbora Krejcikova awaiting her in the second round.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Swiatek, on the other hand, will play Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in the second round, having been awarded a bye through round one due to her ranking.
Both players will contest their second round matches at the 2025 Korea Open on Thursday, September 18.