Emma Raducanu set to continue Billie Jean King Cup snub as doubts arise about April tie against France

Britain’s tennis star Emma Raducanu has refused to commit to participating in the Billie Jean King Cup in April.

The competition is set to take place in three months where in a team contest, Great Britain will go up against France. Raducanu, who recently returned to the court after an absence of nearly one year, was quoted in a report where she refused to commit to playing in the event.

“Of course I always love representing my country,” she said. “But that being said, because of the amount of niggles and the rehab process, I think whatever suits my schedule and my fitness the best is going to have to take priority, especially this year.

“For example, if there’s a change in surface straightaway, too close in succession, I think I’d have to evaluate what I do. The most sensible thing for me is staying healthy. That’s the priority for the year. I can’t say either way. But my intention is good, I want to play.”

Raducanu recently took part in the Australian Open 2024 but struggled with fitness concerns there as well. It was one of the primary reasons why the 21-year-old ended up suffering a heartbreaking defeat in the second round after losing to China’s Wang Yafan with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.