Emma Raducanu will receive a warm welcome back to the Great Britain team for the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup, according to compatriot Katie Boulter.
Raducanu was on the comeback trail early in 2024 before withdrawing from the Miami Open last month due to a back injury. However, the former US Open champion will return at the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers as Great Britain takes on the French team between April 12 and 13.
The 21-year-old will join the Great British team alongside Boulter, Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, and Francesca Jones as she returns to the competition for the first team in two years.
When speaking about Raducanu's long absence from the Billie Jean King Cup, teammate Boulter explained to PA how the Great Britain team would benefit from her return.
"I'm very pleased. We've missed her. We love having her back."
It was unclear whether Raducanu would feature in the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup as the Brit stated that she would focus on her health and fitness this season. In addition, the 21-year-old's withdrawal from the Miami Open cast doubts over her fitness to compete.
However, Raducanu chose to feature at the event in Le Portel, which is played on indoor clay courts - the same surface as the upcoming Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.
As a result, Raducanu could use the Billie Jean King Cup clash against France to build some form and get some practice on clay. Regardless of Raducanu's reasons for returning to team Great Britain, Boulter said that she is delighted her teammate is fit and healthy again and expects the whole team to react to her return.
"Obviously the number one thing is that she's healthy. I've always said it for myself and it's my biggest wish for her as well is that she can stay as healthy as possible. We're going to be welcoming her with open arms for sure."
0 Comments