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:
*Emma Raducanu 5-4 Viktoria Hruncakova
Oh no! Hrunkacova controls the game and works Raducanu from side to side. She sends her over to the right but the Brit manages to squeeze back a return from a tight angle.
Hrunkacova should win the point but instead sends the ball into the net. The Slovakian edges into a 40-30 lead though before a return of serve from Raducanu goes long and gives her another game.
That’s three in a row for the Slovakian.
Emma Raducanu 5-3 Viktoria Hruncakova* - Break!
A double fault ends Raducanu’s hopes of getting the first set closed off. Hrunkacova is right on top of her game now as evidence by a blistering forehand winner she belts across court.
*Emma Raducanu 5-2 Viktoria Hruncakova
Emma Raducanu is now serving to close out the first set. So far she’s sent down three double faults and three aces in this match as she attempts to increase the power of the first serve.
A drop shot from Hrunkacova is no trouble for Raducanu who flies up court and flicks it back into play to win the point.
Her opponent isn’t letting the set go quietly. She finds the baseline with a strong return then whips a forehand across court forcing a miscue from Raducanu.
The game moves level at 30-30.
*Emma Raducanu 5-2 Viktoria Hruncakova
Hrunkacova is beginning to click into gear. It may be too little too late for this opening set but the more she begins to feel at home on the court the better her chances of winning the match.
The Slovakian moves 40-15 ahead with a lovely crosscourt backhand but just when it feels as though the momentum is with her she sends down a double fault.
It doesn’t matter though. Hrunkacova holds serve and is still in this set.
Emma Raducanu 5-1 Viktoria Hruncakova*
Raducanu is properly turning up the heat. Her accuracy, hitting corner to corner, is frighteningly good and causing a lot of problems for Hrunkacova.
A body serve from Raducanu forces the Slovakian into another error before a backhand down the line winner puts Raducanu 40-0 up in the game.
She holds serve with her second ace of the match.
*Emma Raducanu 4-1 Viktoria Hruncakova
Very impressive. Emma Raducanu is powering her way into an increased lead with Hrunkacova unable to match the level of the Brit. Raducanu has three break points and takes the break with a strong forehand that her opponent pumps back into the net.
A perfect start for Great Britain.
Emma Raducanu 3-1 Viktoria Hruncakova*
Back over to Emma Raducanu. She was made to work hard to hold her first service game but starts well in this one with another back hand down the line.
That’s great!
Hrunkacova comes forward to work the ball from the net but a passing forehand from Raducanu is too good for her and the Brit moves 30-0 up.
Two more fine serves give the game to Raducanu who keeps her two-game lead in tact.
*Emma Raducanu 2-1 Viktoria Hruncakova
Raducanu just needs to hold serve for the rest of this set and she’ll take the lead in the match. Hrunkacova opens up the next game with a double fault.
A blistering forehand from Raducanu sees her take another point but she can’t shake off her opponent who moves back level at 30-30.
A big serve from Hrunkacova troubles Raducanu who belts it too long. The Slovakian then holds serve. Game on.
Emma Raducanu 2-0 Viktoria Hruncakova*
No! This is going to be a well deserved win for whoever takes this game.
The two women are slugging it out, Raducanu stretches to whip another backhand down the line then takes the game as Hrunkacova’s return goes long!
*Emma Raducanu 1-0 Viktoria Hruncakova
Raducanu has the chance to close out the game but is dragged back to deuce before a double fault sets up another break point for Slovakia.
Raducanu doesn’t want to give this game up. An inside out forehand from the Brit lands right in the corner and Hrunkacova can’t get to the return.
A backhand winner puts Raducanu back within one point of holding her serve. Can she get over the line?
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