Emma Raducanu did her greatest to maintain a constructive spirit after a heartbreaking Billie Jean King Cup Finals exit because the 2021 US Open champion was happy that she was in a position to choose up a collection of wins forward of the 2025 season.
On Tuesday, the British tennis star noticed off Slovakia’s Viktorija Hruncakova 6-4 6-4 to place her nation up early of their semifinal tie in Malaga. For the previous world No. 10, it was her third consecutive straight-set win on the BJK Cup Finals, having beforehand additionally dealt with Jule Niemeier and Rebecca Marino in straight units.
For the reason that British aspect have been thought of the favorites to beat Slovakia, Raducanu’s opening win completely put Nice Britain in pole place. However then, Katie Boulter bought upset by Rebecca Sramkova and Olivia Nicholls and Heather Watson fell quick to Hruncakova and Tereza Mihalikova.
For Raducanu, it was actually disappointing that her workforce did not capitalize on her nice type. However at the least, she may very well be pleased with how she performed.
“I believe I had some good performances on the court docket this week. I performed three matches, which is nice for me. I haven’t performed shortly so I believe with the ability to rating some extent and get on the board was useful. I believe the positives to take are, bodily, I held up fairly effectively. It didn’t take me too lengthy to step again into that match sharpness,” the 22-year-old stated.
How Boulter reacted to the defeat?
For the reason that world No. 24 began her match towards Sramkova by routinely profitable the primary set with a 6-2 scoreline, it appeared like Nice Britain would dismantle Slovakia and fairly simply progress into the ultimate.
However then, Boulter twice fell down by a break within the second set. Whereas she twice managed to get the break again, she misplaced her serve once more within the tenth recreation – the sport during which she was serving to remain within the second set – and the Slovak managed to drive a decider.
Within the third set, the Briton was additionally down by a break earlier than recovering. Then identical to it occurred within the second set, Sramkova went 5-4 earlier than breaking Boulter to seal the set and full her comeback win.
The 28-year-old – who gained two WTA titles this yr and achieved a career-high rating of No. 23 on the earth – refused to be unfavourable about how Nice Britain’s run ended.
“Clearly it’s going to be actually essential for me to take a second for myself, bear in mind what I’ve really executed this yr. I’ve bought two titles behind me. I’m at a career-high rating. This week has additionally been nice for me. I’ve had some actually good wins. I actually wish to use that subsequent yr, and I actually really feel like I can push on,” Boulter stated.
“Nevertheless it’s going to be extraordinarily essential for me to take a second proper now and have a couple of days to myself and choose myself again up. It’s a protracted season. I’m a bit of emotionally drained, however I’ve given every little thing I probably may for this nation, and I’m pleased with that. That’s all I can ask of myself.”
British captain Anne Keothavong was additionally constructive, saying they’d a promising workforce that might return stronger sooner or later.
“We’ve bought a implausible workforce and we do must discover a approach to choose ourselves up; keep perspective, most of all,” Keothavong stated.
Raducanu had a warning for her competitors
The 22-year-old perhaps did not get to conclude her 2024 season along with her first Billie Jean King Cup title however she did it with three consecutive straight-set wins. And after showing in simply 13 WTA tournaments this yr however nonetheless performing some notable, the 2021 US Open winner warned her competitors to know that she might be aiming for even greater issues in 2025.
“Yeah, I believe I began the yr off fairly effectively for the primary half, you recognize as much as Wimbledon. Then I struggled a bit of bit extra with my physique I believe bodily. Wasn’t in a position to play the complete calendar and keep on court docket as a lot as I might have preferred. However my evaluation is, you, I believe typically I would like reminding, I am high 60 on the earth and I’ve performed lower than 15 occasions, which is fairly unparalleled, in a means. I’ve to pat myself on the again for that. I do know I am a harmful participant. I do know nobody needs to drag my names within the draw. I take satisfaction in that, and I am trying ahead to hopefully staying on court docket longer subsequent yr,” Raducanu stated.
