Emma Raducanu hung out to dry as GB captain Anne Keothavong responds

Emma Raducanu’s Billie Jean King Cup captain has responded after the 20-year-old previously said she “didn’t know” when Great Britain’s next BJK Cup tie was taking place. Britain is facing France this weekend with Raducanu absent from the squad. And Anne Keothaving appeared to make a dig at Britain’s No 1 player as she discussed her absence.

Britain will do battle with France in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifier stage this weekend in Coventry, with a spot in the Finals on the line. Raducanu is not part of the team, with captain Keothaving instead calling up the same squad that reached the semi-final in November – Britain’s first since 1981.

Before the team announcement was made, Raducanu raised eyebrows when she told reporters in Indian Wells that she “didn’t even know” when the tie was taking place, despite the weekend of 14 and 15 April being earmarked back in November. At the time, Britain’s BJK Cup captain responded with a tweet saying that her communication skills were “generally good in case anyone was wondering.”

And Keothavong addressed the world No 68’s absence again ahead of the tie weekend in Coventry, hinting at Raducanu’s commitment to next week’s Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. “I think we all know when this tie was going to be played and where she is now,” the 39-year-old told reporters.

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Raducanu is sponsored by Porsche, indicating that she is likely obligated to play the indoor clay court event in Stuttgart. And she previously claimed that she was advised against making the quick change of surfaces from the hard courts in Coventry.

Keothavong did confirm that the 2021 US Open champion wanted to be part of the team in the future, adding: “But it’s irrelevant. We hope she makes herself available for future ties. I know she wants to be part of this team. It was just, on this occasion, it wasn’t the right timing for her.”

Britain will be more than safe in the hands of the current team, consisting of Harriet Dart, Katie Boulter, Heather Watson, Alicia Barnett and Olivia Nicholls. The five-woman team represented Britain in the Finals last November, when GB received a wildcard entry as the host nation.

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And they helped upset strong teams like Spain en route to Britan’s first semi-final appearance at the women’s world cup of tennis since 1981. “I’m really excited that this team have been able to come together again,” Keothaving said of the returning squad.

“We created so many happy memories that week we had in Glasgow and we’ve got that shared experience together. The nominations had to be made early on in March. This is a team that I feel have a bond and have performed many times in this competition in the past, certainly our singles players.”

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