Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from Great Britain’s team set to compete in the Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup qualifiers, choosing to prioritise her physical health. The decision followed her quarter-final match at the Miami Open, where she lost against American Jessica Pegula.
With this move, Raducanu has shifted her focus to physical recovery as she continues to manage her overall fitness for the rest of the season. However, this was not an easy decision to make.
The athlete’s team acknowledged that pulling out from the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers was a “difficult decision” for Raducanu, but she was advised to take a rest. As part of her recovery programme, she will go on a two to three-week training camp, where she will prepare for future competitions. As of now, it is unclear when Raducanu plans to return to court or whether she will be ready to compete in the 1000 Madrid Open at La Caja Magica, which is scheduled from April 22 to May 4.
In a social media post, LTA stated: “Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the @BJKCup Qualifiers next week… Captain Anne Keothavong: ‘I recognise this has been a difficult decision for Emma. Of course, you always miss a player of her quality on the team, we’ve seen what she can do in the past representing her country, but I have the utmost belief in the players who are travelling next week and will confirm a 5th player in due course.’”
Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the @BJKCup Qualifiers next week
🗣️ Captain Anne Keothavong: “I recognise this has been a difficult decision for Emma. Of course you always miss a player of her quality on the team, we’ve seen what she can do in the past representing her… pic.twitter.com/aRvQerVWu2
— LTA (@the_LTA) April 2, 2025
Netizens expressed their opinions on the matter. One netizen commented: “A bit disappointed, but I understand Emma’s decision—she should do what’s best for her. She could be seeded and climb back into the top 30 or 40, or even higher, during the clay season, so she needs to be well-prepared for it.”
Another netizen said: “A pity considering her recent form and contribution to the team last year, but probably understandable she’d want to spend an extra week or so to further build her fitness up ahead for the rest of the clay season.”
Change of plans
Besides withdrawing from the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, Raducanu will also not be able to join top players Elina Svitolina and Sofia Kenin at the clay-court WTA 250 event in Rouen on April 14.
Raducanu had a hectic start to the year as she competed in seven events over the past three months. The athlete took time off after a stalking incident at the Dubai Open, where the experience left her in tears as she talked to the umpire during the second game of her second-round match.
Without Raducanu, the Great Britain squad for the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers would now include captain Anne Keothavong, Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, former world number 70 Harriet Dart, and British doubles number one Olivia Nicholls.
Captain Keothavong shared her sentiments on Raducanu’s withdrawal and said: “Of course you always miss a player of her quality on the team, we’ve seen what she can do in the past representing her country, but I have the utmost belief in the players who are travelling next week and will confirm a fifth player in due course.”