Emma Raducanu set for BJK Cup return in April after being heavily criticized in 2023

Emma Raducanu is about for her Billie Jean King Cup return after being named for Nice Britain’s upcoming qualifiers in opposition to France. 

On Friday, British BJK Cup workforce captain Keothavong introduced her choice for the France tie, which is going down between April 12-13 in Le Portel, France. Moreover 2021 US Open champion Raducanu, Keothavong additionally named latest San Diego champion Katie Boulter, in addition to Harriet Dart and Heather Watson. 

For Raducanu, this might be her second Billie Jean King Cup on-court look. In 2020, Raducanu was named for the BJK Cup for the primary time however did not play that yr. 

However when Raducanu was named for the qualifiers in opposition to the Czech Republic in 2022 April, she was the top-ranked British lady and she or he performed in two matches – beating Tereza Martincova in her first BJK Cup match earlier than dropping to 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in her following match. 

“I’m delighted to be touring with a full-strength workforce off the again of some terrific outcomes just lately,” Keothavong mentioned in a press release.

“The French aspect will current a major problem as at all times, however everyone knows how representing GB conjures up us and annually we’re getting stronger and higher as a workforce.”

After being closely criticized final yr, Raducanu set for her BJK Cup return 

After making her BJK Cup debut in 2022 April, Raducanu did not play within the BJK Cup Finals later that yr. Then, Raducanu additionally skipped Britain’s 2023 qualifiers tie in opposition to France as a result of it was performed on onerous and she or he was scheduled to play at a clay-court event in Stuttgart the next week. Round this time a yr in the past, Raducanu acquired main criticism and backlash within the British media for her BJK Cup determination. 

However earlier this month, Raducanu indicated she would play in opposition to France this yr as a result of the tie is performed on clay and it would not pose any points for her Stuttgart participation. 

“I do not know if I am going to get the call-up,” Raducanu mentioned earlier this month when requested about her BJK Cup availability in Indian Wells. 

“But when she (British workforce captain Anne Keothavong) asks me to, I believe it is sensible as a result of it is earlier than Stuttgart (which can be) on indoor clay.”