Emma Raducanu withdraws from Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers to prioritize recovery

Emma Raducanu has pulled out of next week's Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers to focus on recovery following her quarter-final run at the Miami Open, where she required medical attention during her loss to Jessica Pegula.

The British star dropped the opening set and struggled physically while leading 5-4 in the second, taking a medical timeout to ice her legs and back before ultimately falling 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2. After competing in seven tournaments in the first three months of the season, Raducanu has decided to skip Britain’s Group F qualifiers in The Hague, Netherlands, from April 10-12.

"She needs a little space in the calendar to best look after her body," her representatives told British media, confirming that she will also miss the Rouen Open starting April 14.

Since her breakthrough U.S. Open victory in 2021, Raducanu has faced ongoing form and fitness struggles. However, her performance in Miami marked a significant step forward, as she won four consecutive main draw matches—her best streak since her Grand Slam triumph.

Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong acknowledged the impact of Raducanu’s absence, noting that the team will miss her presence after she played a key role in last year’s semi-final run.

"You always miss a player of her quality on the team," said Keothavong, who has called up Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Harriet Dart, and Olivia Nicholls for the qualifiers.

SportsLigue