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:
Raducanu on beating Rebecca Marino
Raducanu said: “It was an incredibly difficult match because the dynamics were so different.
“In the second set Rebecca really upped her level, she started swinging on every single ball. I’m very pleased with how I managed to fend off the break points and sneak that break at 5-5 then close it out.”
Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter power Great Britain into Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals
Great Britain’s devastating duo Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter demolished defending champions Canada to reach the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals.
Raducanu and Boulter are yet to drop a set in two ties at the Palacio de Deportes in Malaga and, with a very winnable clash against Slovakia to come on Tuesday, captain Anne Keothavong’s prediction that Britain could end the tournament as champions is beginning to look increasingly realistic.
Raducanu has made a terrific return from nearly two months out with a foot injury, following up her win against Germany’s Jule Niemeier on Friday by defeating Rebecca Marino 6-0 7-5.
Raducanu and Boulter power Great Britain into Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals
Great Britain defeated defending champions Canada to set up a semi-final tie with Slovakia on Tuesday
Raducanu to lead off
Emma Raducanu leads off for Great Britain in this semi final and will take on Viktoria Hruncakova in the first match before Katie Boulter faces Rebecca Sramkova in the second match.
During the competition so far neither Raducanu nor Boulter have dropped a set. Can they keep up that form as they target a place in the final?
Slovakia’s team
Slovakia (ranking)
Captain: Matej Liptak
Rebecca Sramkova (43)
Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (110)
Viktoria Hruncakova (241)
Renata Jamrichova (375)
Tereza Mihalikova (42 – doubles)
Great Britain’s team
Great Britain (ranking)
Captain: Anne Keothavong
Katie Boulter (23)
Emma Raducanu (58)
Harriet Dart (61)
Heather Watson (140 - singles; 57 - doubles)
Olivia Nicholls (39 - doubles)
What is the format?
The semi-final will be contested over two singles matches and a doubles decider if required.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the tie live via the BBC Red Button, or online via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
When is Great Britain vs Slovakia?
The Billie Jean King Cup semi-final is due to start at 11am GMT on Tuesday 19 November at the Martin Carpena Arena in Malaga.
Great Britain vs Slovakia
Great Britain and Slovakia vie for a place in the final of the Billie Jean King Cup as the two nations meet in Malaga.
Boosted by a fit and firing Emma Raducanu, the British team have flown through their opening outings, dispatching both Germany and Canada without the concession of a set.
With Katie Boulter also in form, confidence will be high for Anne Keothavong’s squad ahead of a last four tie with surprise package Slovakia.
Rebecca Sramkova has impressed in upset victories over the United States and Australia as a relatively unheralded group eye another landmark win and a final berth against Italy.
Good morning!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Billie Jean King Cup semi-final as Great Britain take on Slovakia for a spot in the final.
Britain have been in fine touch so far beating Germany and Canada to reach this stage of the tournament while their opponents have knocked out the United States and Australia.
Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter lead the charge for GB and hope to send the team into their first final since 1981 this morning.
Can they do it?
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