Emma Raducanu withdraws from Billie Jean King Cup tie with return date unknown

Emma Raducanu was a star of the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers last year before she decided not to play on clay for the rest of the season. But she won't be involved next week either against Germany and Netherlands.

Raducanu reached the semi-final of the Miami Open and is poised to take the British No.1 spot back at some point in the near future. But she has decided as per the LTA not to play next week between 11-12 April.

Great Britain will need to top their group in order to progress to the Finals later this year where no doubt Raducanu would play a part.

Captain Anne Keothavong reacted to the news as per LTA saying that while she was disappointed, they will confirm their fifth player in due course. “I recognise 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 travelling next week and will confirm a 5th player in due course."

Currently involved are Katie Boulter, Olivia Nicholls, Harriet Dart and Sonay Kartal, the latter had a good Sunshine Double in what was a breakout run after reaching the final of Monastir last year.

Raducanu's return date is unknown. She is still on the Entry List for Rouen instead of playing Stuttgart with the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix not inviting her this year. But the former US Open champion as per I News has decided to take a training block after a hectic few months in order to regroup.

It is likely she will return in time for either Madrid or Rome before the French Open and is likely set to withdraw from Rouen it is assumed which takes place prior to Madrid.