Katie Boulter is hoping Great Britain pulls off some “Emma Raducanu magic” at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Glasgow. In front of their home fans, Great Britain will try to beat Kazakhstan and Spain and that way advance to the semifinal from their group.
Kazakhstan is led by 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, while Spain has Paula Badosa available. On Tuesday, Great Britain kicks off its campaign by playing Kazakhstan. Unfortunately for Great Britain, their biggest name Raducanu isn’t available after failing to recover in time from a wrist injury.
Last year, Raducanu wrote tennis history when she stunningly won the US Open as a qualifier. Going into the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, Great Britain isn’t viewed as a top favorite.
Boulter: Let’s hope we pull off some Emma Raducanu magic
“She’s a huge asset to our team and of course we all wish her well.
Health is the priority and I hope she gets better. But it’s time for the girls to step up and I know they will. I have great belief in every single one of them. With a home crowd behind us, you never know what can happen. We love an underdog.
Let’s hope we can bring a bit of Emma Raducanu magic to Billie Jean King Cup. We have no pressure, we have nothing to lose at all,” Boulter said, per Sky Sports. When Raducanu won the US Open, she was ranked No 150 and no one had her as a top favorite for the title.
“I think she’s changed everything. I think she’s given everyone a little glimmer of what it takes and also what can happen. I think everyone in the building is humming a little bit off that buzz. It gives them that hope that it can be them,” Boulter added.
In Glasgow, Great Britain will be represented by Boulter, Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, Alicia Barnett and Olivia Nicholls. It remains to be seen if Great Britain can indeed pull off some Raducanu magic and win the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
