"She really wants to be part of this team" GB Team Captain Keothavong explains Raducanu's Billie Jean King Cup call-up

Despite being injured and seemingly out for the season, Emma Raducanu was included in Great Britain's team for the Billie Jean King Cup.

It was a surprising announcement that was questioned by the media immediately with Team Captain Anne Keothavong having to provide an explanation. Raducanu joined Dart, Boulter and Watson as part of the Team which was a surprise as she pulled out of all her scheduled events due to a wrist injury.

Asked by the PA Agency, Keothavong explained:

“I was literally on the phone to her this morning at the airport. We have the benefit of time on our side. The Billie Jean King Cup Finals isn’t for another month."

She further added:

“She’s doing her best to rest up and recover and she’s got a rehab programme in place. We’ll just have to see how it goes and she’s got to manage it and look after herself, which is the most important thing. I know she really wants to be part of this team, she had a great experience when we were in Prague. That’s great when you’ve got your top player who is saying all the right things.”