"It makes sense": Emma Raducanu set to return after Billie Jean King Cup snub but only on one condition

Emma Raducanu discussed the possibility of playing in the Billie Jean King Cup this year after her debut in 2022 against the Czech Republic. The former world No. 10 faced challenges due to injuries in 2023 and was not part of the team again.

The 2021 US Open champion had previously declined opportunities to be on the team, creating tension with the team captain Anne Keothavong, although injuries hindered her from representing her country.

Upon her arrival in California for the Indian Wells tournament, she responded to an interview with the BBC, acknowledging that she doesn't know if she will be called up but expressed her availability to be part of the team if the captain decides so:

"I don't know if I'll get the call-up. But if she asks me to, I think it makes sense because it's before [the WTA tournament in] Stuttgart [which is also] on indoor clay."

After her first Grand Slam title, Raducanu held the title of British No. 1 for nearly a year. However, the player currently in better form is Katie Boulter, who last week secured her first WTA 500 title at the San Diego Open, propelling her into the top-30 for the first time in her career at the age of 27. Another option for the captain will be the seasoned veteran Heather Watson, a regular member of the Billie Jean King Cup team.

The next competition for the British team will be on clay, although Raducanu doesn't have much experience in clay-court tournaments. Nevertheless, it is crucial for the tennis player to participate in the Billie Jean King Cup if she hopes to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which will be held on the courts of Roland Garros.