Emma Raducanu to make Billie Jean King Cup debut against Czech Republic

Emma Raducanu is set to make her debut for Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup against the Czech Republic next month.

The US Open champion heads a four-strong line-up for what will be a fiendishly difficult assignment on clay in Prague on April 15-16. Raducanu has twice been named in the team before in 2019 and 2020 but did not play a match on either occasion.

The 19-year-old will be joined by Harriet Dart, who will make her top-100 debut on Monday after reaching the fourth round in Indian Wells, Katie Swan and surprise pick Sonay Kartal. Kartal, who was Raducanu’s big childhood rival before struggling with injuries, has surged up the rankings in recent months, winning 31 of her last 34 matches.

Captain Anne Keothavong said:

“We are looking forward to the challenge of playing the Czechs. Emma will be making her singles debut. Harriet and Katie have been an integral part of the team the last couple of years, while I’m excited to give Sonay that experience for the first time.