Emma Raducanu made a winning return from injury before Katie Boulter followed with another victory to secure Great Britain’s place in the Billie Jean King Cup quarter-finals.
In the opening match of Britain’s first-round tie against Germany, Raducanu secured a 6-4 6-4 victory – on her sixth match point after an edgy finish – over Jule Niemeier in Malaga.
The 22-year-old was playing her first match in almost two months because of a foot injury, but produced an encouraging display in the 12-nation women’s team event on her latest comeback.
“I feel pretty good physically. Emotionally I felt pretty calm out there. I’m very pleased to have scored that point,” said Raducanu.
“I think this event is a great way to come back, even though there is some pressure to score a point for your team. You’re not just playing for yourself, you’re playing for everyone.”
Fresh from breaking into the top 25, British number one Boulter clinched victory in the best-of-three encounter with a 6-1 6-2 win over 84th-ranked Laura Siegemund later on Friday.
Boulter’s win ensured the nation progressed without needing Olivia Nicholls and Heather Watson to play in a deciding doubles match against German pair Anna-Lena Friedsam and Tatjana Maria.
Britain, who have never won the BJK Cup, will face defending champions Canada in the last eight on Sunday from 16:00 GMT.
Iga Swiatek recently found herself in a spate of controversy, having tested positive for a banned substance. As the 2025 season begins, she will be
Mirra Andreeva has been backed to contend for Grand Slam titles and potentially crack the top five of the WTA Rankings in 2025. Teen star Andreeva, who turned 1
Simona Halep has withdrawn from Australian Open qualifying and will delay the start of her 2025 season after feeling pain in her knee and shoulder.The former wo
Another thrilling WTA Tour season has been and gone, with the battle between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek stealing the headlines.Sabalenka overtook Swiatek