By
Emma Raducanu will not feature in Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup final against France next month.
Captain Anne Keotavong has named the squad that reached the semi-finals in September, saying former US Open champion Raducanu will be “not available” for the April 14-15 points match in Coventry.
Radukanu said after her opening win in Indian Wells that she didn’t even know when the tournament was, a comment that didn’t seem to sit well with Keotavong.
The former British number one responded to a report of the comment with a thinking face emoji on social media. She also posted a separate post, seemingly referencing that: “In case anyone is wondering, my communication skills are generally good.
Keothavong said of her decision to keep faith with Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, Katie Boulter, Alicia Barnett and Olivia Nicholls: “I’m delighted to be fielding the same squad as we had four months ago in Glasgow. , and the team spirit was electric.
“There were some memorable performances throughout the week to help us reach the semi-finals.
“Harriet showed us what she can do by beating the likes of (Paula) Badosa and (Ajla) Tomjanovic.
“We saw Alicia and Olivia play their title game, they brought a lot of energy to the court and showed how important doubles is. Katie and Heather have a great track record in this competition and are as excited as ever to be a part of this team.
“Although Emma will not be available for this tie, we look forward to seeing her with the team in the near future.”
Raducanu, who missed November’s final in Glasgow with a hand injury, reached the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open before losing to world number one Iga Sviatek this week.
With just over a month to go until the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup at Gainsbridge Qualifiers kicks off at 9 venues around the world, the competing teams are starting to announce their players.
Spain will lose their top player in Paula Badosa, but they hope that the strength will be enough to overcome Mexico at home in Marbella. Sara Soribes Tormo, Marina Basols Ribera and Aliona Bolsova make up the Spanish team.
Wimbledon champion and world No. 10 Elena Rabakina will be at full strength in Kazakhstan on her home tour of Poland.
The United States are expected to name their team soon, with Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff both giving their opponents Austria an impressive look.
Austria has named a strong lineup for their trip to Delray Beach to play USA, but Julia Grabher, Sinja Krause, Barbara Haas, Tamira Passek and Melanie Klafner appear to be out.
Marta Ketuk, Diana Yastremska, Katarina Zavatka and Lyudmila Kichenok form the quartet of the captain Mikhail Filima as Ukraine tries to reach the final for the first time.
Read more: Emma Raducanu gives verdict after Iga Swiatek loss and reveals what her ‘biggest assets’ will be
