Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong has spoken about why Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Francesca Jones will not feature in next month’s qualifier against Australia.
The tie takes place at John Cain Arena in Melbourne Park from 10-11 April, creating an awkward scheduling conflict with the European clay-court swing.
It’s a difficult time of year to be going back to Australia. It’s the start of the clay-court season for most of the players,” Keothavong said whilst providing commentary at the Miami Open for Sky Sports.
Raducanu has already committed to competing at a WTA Tour event in Linz during that week.
Keothavong acknowledged that players must balance national pride with their individual career needs and wellbeing.
“I know most of the players take huge pride in representing Great Britain in this competition, but they also have to make choices for their own tennis and for their own health,” she explained.
Sonay Kartal will captain the four-player squad, joined by Harriet Dart, Jodie Burrage and Mika Stojsavljevic, who will make her BJK Cup debut. A fifth team member may be added before the tie.
Despite facing a formidable Australian side at full strength, Keothavong remains optimistic.
“We’ve been underdogs before in this competition and have been able to surprise many people, and got to go in with the same attitude,” she added.
Australia will field their strongest possible lineup for the qualifier, with Talia Gibson, Maya Joint, Storm Hunter, Kimberly Birrell and Ellen Perez all selected