Raducanu Withdraws from BJK Cup to Prioritize WTA Tour
Raducanu has not played in the Billie Jean King Cup since November 2024 when she helped Great Britain to reach the semi-finals

Raducanu Withdraws from BJK Cup to Prioritize WTA Tour

Emma Raducanu Pulls Out of Billie Jean King Cup to Focus on WTA Tour and New Coach

British number one Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals, opting instead to participate in the Korea Open in Seoul as she prioritizes her WTA Tour development and burgeoning partnership with new coach Francisco Roig.

Raducanu, ranked world number 36, was offered a wildcard entry into the Korea Open, which begins on 15 September, and has chosen to focus on the WTA schedule rather than represent Great Britain in the eight-nation BJK Cup Finals in Shenzhen, China.

A Strategic Move for Long-Term Growth

The 22-year-old views consistent WTA match play and time with Roig—who began working with her on a trial basis in Cincinnati and was courtside during her third-round US Open run—as more beneficial to her long-term form than a brief national team appearance.

Raducanu has been vocal about the importance of solidifying her game and building chemistry with Roig, who formerly coached Rafael Nadal.

This decision echoes a similar move earlier this year, when she skipped the BJK Cup qualifiers in The Hague to train in Los Angeles with former coach Mark Petchey.

LTA Responds with Disappointment

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has expressed disappointment following Raducanu’s decision, which was communicated on Thursday.

“Of course we are disappointed. However, we believe we have a great team and we’re looking forward to competing in Shenzhen,” an LTA spokesperson stated.

Raducanu was instrumental in Great Britain’s impressive 2024 run to the semi-finals in Malaga, going undefeated in her three singles matches. Her absence this year will be a major loss.

Team GB Adjustments

With Raducanu out, world number 89 Fran Jones has been added to the roster. She will join Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, and Jodie Burrage in China. Captain Anne Keothavong still has the option to name an additional player before the team’s quarter-final clash with Japan on 18 September.

Ironically, the ITF had moved the tournament earlier in the calendar to encourage higher participation from top players, hoping it would slot better into the Asian swing of the WTA calendar.

Ranking Implications and Future Plans

Raducanu is also mindful of her ranking points. She reached the quarter-finals in Seoul last year, meaning she must defend those points this month. Still, with no other points to defend in 2025, she remains on track to be seeded for the Australian Open in January.

The Korea Open field is strong, featuring the likes of Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek and US Open finalist Amanda Anisimova. A deep run could further boost Raducanu’s confidence heading into 2026.

Leave a Reply

There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment!