Billie Jean King Cup Finals 2024: Emma Raducanu hands early impetus to Great Britain in Canada battle

Emma Raducanu has handed Great Britain their first point as they look to reach the semi-finals of the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga. She defeated Rebecca Marino 6-0, 7-5.

Last time out, it was Raducanu in a similar role against Germany as she quelled Jule Niemeier and claimed the win which saw Katie Boulter then lead from the front in victory. It will be another hope that Boulter can do so.

Albeit the decision perhaps from Canada to put Marino in instead of Fernandez or even Stakusic was a bit puzzling. Raducanu has proven thus far that in playing for her country, it provides some of her best tennis and in Boulter, Fernandez plays one of the most in-form players in the back end of the season. The Brit eased past Laura Siegemund to win the Germany tie.

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While Fernandez who anchored them to glory last year perhaps is seen as more likely to send them towards a doubles tie. But Raducanu has done all she can. She came out like a train winning the first set in no time at all. It took just 28 minutes as her serve was solid and Marino was spraying unforced errors all over the shop.

Marino got better though in the second set and forced the issue with Raducanu. The Brit had to save break points both to go 2-2 and 4-4 with Raducanu only getting a late chance with a slip from Marino down the stretch allowing her to go 6-5 up and when given the opportunity, Raducanu shut the door.

She sealed the win on her third match point. The belief in the Great Britain camp is that they can win the title and with a superb number one and two combo in tandem, there is no doubt they could. With Canada themselves winning it last year, it proves anything is possible.