Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in the Netherlands, citing the need to “look after her body” after a demanding start to the season.
The 22-year-old British number two, who recently reached the Miami Open quarter-finals, has competed in seven tournaments this year—the most in her career during the first quarter of any season.
Raducanu’s representatives described the decision as difficult but necessary, emphasizing her focus on maintaining her physical health and preparing for upcoming challenges. “She needs a little space in the calendar to best look after her body,” they said.
The 2021 US Open champion has faced her share of fitness setbacks over recent seasons, compounded by a need for medical attention during her loss to fourth seed Jessica Pegula in Miami.
Raducanu plans to dedicate the next few weeks to a training block, having also withdrawn from the Rouen Open, scheduled for mid-April. Her return to competitive action remains uncertain.
Raducanu was instrumental in Great Britain’s journey to last year’s BJK Cup semi-finals, making her absence a significant loss for the team.
British captain Anne Keothavong is expected to call another player into the five-woman squad, which includes Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Harriet Dart, and Olivia Nicholls. Despite missing a player of Raducanu’s caliber, Keothavong expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to deliver. “I have the utmost belief in the players who are traveling,” she said.
Great Britain faces the Netherlands and Germany in a new round-robin format at Sportcampus Zuiderpark in The Hague from April 10-12, with the top nation securing a spot in the Finals later this year. The remaining two teams will compete in play-offs for qualification in 2026.
