Emma Raducanu left out for four Brits as worrying statement released | Tennis | Sport

Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, Mika Stojsavljevic and Jodie Burrage have been confirmed in Great Britain’s squad for the Billie Jean King Cup in China. Emma Raducanu is notably absent, having pulled out ahead of Wimbledon with a stress fracture in her leg, while Sonay Kartal is also sidelined through injury.

British number three Fran Jones has been overlooked as team captain Anne Keothavong retains three of the four players who overcame Australia in qualifying, with world number 69 Boulter coming in for Katie Swan. There remains the possibility of adding a fifth squad member closer to the tournament, which takes place from September 22 to 27 in Shenzhen.

Britain kick off on the opening day with a quarter-final clash against Czechia, whose line-up features Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova.

The British side has progressed to the semi-finals of the competition in three of the past four seasons.

They secured their place at this year’s finals in April by pulling off a stunning upset against Australia in Melbourne, which saw 17-year-old debutant Stojsavljevic defeat Talia Gibson in the singles.

Keothavong said in a statement on the LTA website: “It’s a great achievement to reach the Billie Jean King Cup finals again and today I am naming my initial nominations for the GB team.

“I’m pleased to select Katie Boulter, who knows what it’s like to step up on occasions like this, and the three women who played with so much heart and courage to upset Australia earlier this year, namely Harriet Dart, Mika Stojsavljevic and Jodie Burrage.

“Czechia will be a very challenging first match for us but the players and I believe in our chances, since we have a very strong record in recent finals.”

Belgium, hosts China, back-to-back champions Italy, Kazakhstan, five-time winners Spain and Ukraine have also secured their places in the finals.

Raducanu has been spotted back on the court but doubts have been raised further over whether the Brit will be able to participate at the US Open.