Bad signs for Emma Raducanu as former US Open champion's Flushing Meadows prospects doubted after Billie Jean King Cup move

Friday, 31 July 2026 at 13:04

Emma Raducanu has not been selected in the squad for the Billie Jean King Cup as fears grow about the US Open for the former champion and whether or not she will play at Flushing Meadows.

Raducanu has not been selected for their tie against China in September and was a notable absentee as the team was picked as being Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, Mika Stojsavljevic and Jodie Burrage by captain Anne Keothovang.

Raducanu has not been in action since June 14, where she produced a career best run to the final of Queen's. But unfortunately for the Brit, it all went up in smoke as she saw her season curtailed with injury and she missed Wimbledon. Since then she has not been seen back in training with Raducanu instead being spotted out and about with her new partner on crutches.

The 23-year-old was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon due to a stress fracture in her lower right leg and has not played competitively in six weeks. Raducanu's recovery though remains a question mark with no real details as to when and where she will return.

2026 Billie Jean King Cup Finals Schedule (All times UK & Ireland)

Round	Date	Time	Tie
Quarter-final	Tuesday, September 22	10:00am	Czech Republic vs Great Britain
Quarter-final	Wednesday, September 23	10:00am	Spain vs Kazakhstan
Quarter-final	Thursday, September 24	3:00am	Ukraine vs Belgium
Quarter-final	Thursday, September 24	Not before 10:00am	China vs Italy
Semi-final	Friday, September 25	10:00am	Winner QF1 vs Winner QF2
Semi-final	Saturday, September 26	10:00am	Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4
Final	Sunday, September 27	10:00am	Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2

It appears to have hit somewhat of a stumbling block as she hasn't even been picked for Shenzhen. Although she was overlooked when fit earlier this year for the victory over Australia. There is the option to add a fifth team member closer to the tournament which runs between September 22-27. So in theory, she could soon join.

But this also no doubt hinges on whether she actually plays much of a part in the Asian hard court swing towards the back end of the year which she often swings for due to being from China and having family there. But any indication that she won't perhaps sticks the nails in the coffin as to a return happening this season.

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"It's a great achievement to reach the Billie Jean King Cup Finals again and I am naming my initial nominations for the GB team," captain Keothavong told the LTA website.

"I'm pleased to select Katie Boulter, who knows what it's like to step up on occasions like this, and the three women who played with so much heart and courage to upset Australia earlier this year, namely Harriet Dart, Mika Stojsavljevic and Jodie Burrage.

"Czechia will be a very challenging first match for us but the players and I believe in our chances, since we have a very strong record in recent finals."

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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