Great Britain’s dreams of reaching the Billie Jean King Cup final for the first time since 1981 were dashed by a determined Slovakian team, who staged an impressive comeback to win 2-1 in the semi-finals held in Malaga.
Emma Raducanu gave the British team a strong start with a clinical 6-4, 6-4 victory over Viktoria Hruncakova, displaying her composure and resilience on the court. The 2021 US Open champion fended off break points early in both sets, securing her sixth win in seven matches for the team. “I’m really pleased with how I handled the pressure,” Raducanu said post-match.
With momentum on their side, British hopes soared as Katie Boulter took the court against Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova. Boulter dominated the opening set 6-2, but Sramkova turned the tide, leveraging powerful backhands and relentless defense to claim the next two sets 6-4, 6-4. “She played amazing in the first set,” Sramkova admitted, “but I managed to push through.”
The tie came down to the decisive doubles match, where Hruncakova and Tereza Mihalikova showcased a masterclass in teamwork against Olivia Nicholls and Heather Watson. The Slovakian duo overwhelmed the Brits 6-2, 6-2 with sharp volleys, relentless returns, and impeccable net play.
Captain Anne Keothavong praised her team’s efforts despite the disappointment. “We’re all absolutely gutted,” she said. “But I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Representing your country isn’t easy, especially at this stage of the season.”
For Slovakia, the victory marked their first final appearance since 2002, setting up a clash against Italy. “We played the best doubles of our lives,” said Hruncakova, beaming with pride after their decisive win.
Though Great Britain’s campaign ended in heartbreak, their journey to the semi-finals was a testament to their grit and determination. With stars like Raducanu continuing to shine, the future looks bright for British tennis.
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