Conchita Martinez: ‘Can’t wait to see’ Emma Raducanu back for Billie Jean King Cup

Billie Jean King Cup Director Conchita Martinez ‘can’t wait to see’ Emma Raducanu back in action. The 2021 US Open champion had a tough Asian Swing after injuring herself at the Korea Open, which forced her to withdraw from her quarterfinal match against Daria Kasatkina (1-6, ret.).

After undergoing surgeries on both wrists in 2023, Raducanu has had a successful comeback season, climbing into the top 60 despite being outside the top 300 just a few months ago. However, 2024 has not been without some minor injuries, as well as a limited schedule for the British star, who also had to seek wildcards to participate in the main Tour events.

After being forced to withdraw from both the China Open and Wuhan Open, there were doubts about Raducanu’s participation in the Billie Jean King Cup. However, all signs indicate she will be ready to compete next week.

“For any team, you want to have your best players, and Emma, we have seen she can play amazing tennis,” said former Wimbledon champion Martinez. “She’s one of the best tennis players out there with great results. It’s great that Great Britain can count on her, and I think that when she’s played before, she’s been passionate about representing her country.”

In her last appearance at the tournament in April at the start of the clay swing, Raducanu was instrumental in Great Britain’s away victory over France. The 2021 US Open champion won both her singles matches against Caroline Garcia and Diane Parry, which was crucial for Great Britain to win the series 3-1.

Great Britain will face Germany in the first round, with a German team consisting of Laura Siegemund (No. 83, doubles No. 21), Jule Niemeier (No. 92), Tatjana Maria (No. 100), and Eva Lys (No. 131). The German team is undergoing a transition following the recent retirement of Angelique Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 who led the team for the past decade, including their runner-up finish in the 2014 Fed Cup.

“I think it’s going to be great. I love that she is coming, and I can’t wait to see her play,” Martinez added about Raducanu. “Katie has been playing great tennis in the last two tournaments. I was also in Asia and saw her play. I think she’s also very passionate about playing for her country.”

“I think they [Great Britain] have very good players who are eager to do well, so I believe they can succeed,” she added. “It’s going to be an open event with some fantastic players, but there will also be strong competition.”