(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Emma Raducanu to Skip Billie Jean King Cup Finals for Korea Open
Emma Raducanu, Britain’s No. 1 tennis player, has opted to compete in the Korea Open instead of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in China. The decision comes as Raducanu accepts a wildcard into the WTA tournament in Seoul, setting up a second-round clash with Barbora Krejcikova.
Raducanu Focuses on Rankings
The 22-year-old is defending quarter-final points in Seoul and is targeting a higher year-end ranking to secure a seeded spot at the 2026 Australian Open. Her participation in Korea means she will miss Great Britain’s quarter-final against Japan.
Captain Responds
Great Britain captain Anne Keothavong called Raducanu’s choice “obviously disappointing” but remains confident in her squad:
“It’s obviously disappointing, but my focus is on the players I have and the challenge ahead. We take huge pride in this competition and want to be world champions.”
Keothavong highlighted the strength of her team, which includes Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Jodie Burrage, and Fran Jones, emphasizing that they have a “real shot” at winning the title, even in Raducanu’s absence.
Match Outlook
Great Britain faces a Japan team also missing its top player, Naomi Osaka, in the quarter-finals. Keothavong praised her team’s recent performances, pointing out their success in February when Boulter and Kartal helped secure qualification despite Raducanu’s absence.
“We are the second seeds, having reached the semi-finals twice in recent years. I see no reason why we can’t achieve success again,” Keothavong added.
Raducanu’s decision shifts the spotlight to her season goals while leaving the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in the hands of a capable and motivated British squad.
