Billie Jean King Cup LIVE: Great Britain lose doubles decider against Slovakia in semi-final
Surprise package Slovakia ended Great Britain’s hopes of a first Billie Jean King Cup final since 1981
Great Britain were knocked out of the Billie Jean King Cup at the semi-final stage by a resilient Slovakia who came from a point down to triumph in Malaga and set up a clash with Italy in the final.
Britain stuck with the gameplan that brought them success in the week with Emma Raducanu leading off against Viktoria Hruncakova. The British No. 2 was in fabulous form and won an early break on her way to a 6-4 6-4 straight set victory.
In the second singles match Katie Boulter looked to be sending Britain to their first BJK Cup final since 1981 when she took the opening set against Rebecca Sramkova but there was a twist to come. Sramkova overturned the set deficit and stormed to a well fought 6-2 4-6 4-6 victory leaving the tie in the balance.
A deciding doubles match saw Heather Watson and Olivia Nicholls take to the court for the first time this week but they were outclassed by the Slovakian duo of Hrancakova and Tereza Mihalikova who took a 6-2 6-2 win to advance to the next stage.
Relive the latest updates with our live blog below:
Great Britain suffer Billie Jean King Cup semi-final heartbreak against Slovakia
Great Britain suffered Billie Jean King Cup heartbreak as Slovakia fought back to claim a 2-1 victory in the semi-finals in Malaga.
Britain looked to be heading for their first final in the competition since 1981 when Emma Raducanu defeated Viktoria Hruncakova 6-4 6-4 and Katie Boulter won the opening set against Rebecca Sramkova.
Neither had dropped a set all week until that point but Boulter could not maintain her advantage and Sramkova fought back to claim a 2-6 6-4 6-4 victory and send the tie to a deciding doubles.
Great Britain suffer Billie Jean King Cup semi-final heartbreak against Slovakia
Emma Raducanu beat Viktoria Hruncakova but defeats for Katie Boulter and Britain’s doubles pair sealed their fate.
Reaction from Tereza Mihalikova
Tereza Mihalikova said: “I cried like a baby but now I’m very calm and ready for tomorrow. We need one more win, then we can touch the trophy.”
Reaction from Viktoria Hruncakova
Viktoria Hruncakova spoke after her doubles win saying: “We all feel absolutely amazing. The atmosphere was amazing and we played our best doubles in our lives.
“We’re so happy to be in the final.”
Great Britain defeated by Slovakia in BJK Cup semi-finals
Watson/Nicholls 2-6 2-6 Hruncakova/Mihalikova
That’s it. It’s all over, Great Britain have been knocked out of the Billie Jean King Cup. Viktoria Hruncakova and Tereza Mihalikova were just too good, too strong and too controlled in the doubles for Heather Watson and Olivia Nicholls.
They won 6-2 6-2 in straight sets to claim a 2-1 victory for Slovakia and send them through to the final where they’ll face Italy for the trophy.
It’s a heartbreaking exit for Britain who have performed wonderfully all week but they couldn’t quite get the job done.
Watson/Nicholls 2-6 2-5 Hruncakova/Mihalikova*
This is a huge game for Olivia Nicholls who needs to hold or else Slovakia have the chance to serve for the win. Her opponents go after her opening two serves and take the points but Watson helps get GB on the board.
Hruncakova then draws both Brits to the net and lobs a winner over them to set up two break points. An error from Mihalikova saves the first for Great Britain.
Nicholls can’t save the second! Slovakia need one more game to reach the final.
*Watson/Nicholls 2-6 2-4 Hruncakova/Mihalikova
If Slovakia manage to hold their serves they’ll win this match and this semi-final. Great Britain have to force the issue but it’s not happening for them at present.
Hruncakova takes a couple of points before Nicholls responds with a fine volley from the net to keep Britain in touch at 30-15.
Watson then volleys over an angled drop shot meaning the game draws level. Katie Boulter looks forlorn on the sidelines. This is tense.
Hruncakova manages to get one to land on the line before Mihalikova smashes back a winner for Slovakia. The next rally goes their way too and they hold serve.
Watson/Nicholls 2-6 2-3 Hruncakova/Mihalikova*
Britain need a response and Watson is there to provide one. She’s strong on her serve and wins the first couple of points from the next game. An error from Mihalikova sees the ball clip the tape and Britain move closer to a hold of serve.
Watson secures it with a serve to Hruncakova’s backhand which is drilled into the net.
*Watson/Nicholls 2-6 1-3 Hruncakova/Mihalikova
The Slovakian duo are seriously impressive but Heather Watson is just as determined to wrestle back some points. A great backhand volley from the net puts GB on the board against the serve then Mihalikova lifts one too wide.
Nicholls gets back the next serve and the follow up volley is drilled too long! Two break points for the Brits...
... they miss out on the first one as Watson finds the net. They miss out on the second one as Mihalikova pings down an ace!
Nicholls receives the sudden death point she gets it back but then pushes a forehand too wide and Slovakia get their hold.
Watson/Nicholls 2-6 1-2 Hruncakova/Mihalikova* - Break!
Oh no! Hruncakova and Mihalikova seem to be more in sync. They’re certainly landing more winning shots with the Brits sending their efforts agonisingly wide.
The Slovakians open up a 0-40 lead and break!
That could be a huge moment in this semi-final. Is there a way back for Great Britain?
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