Katie Boulter v Rebecca Sramkova LIVE: Billie Jean King Cup tennis score from Britain v Slovakia semi-final
Surprise package Slovakia stand in Great Britain’s way of a first Billie Jean King Cup final since 1981
Great Britain face Slovakia in the last four of the Billie Jean King Cup as Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter look to lead the way to a first final in the women’s team event since 1981.
Raducanu and Boulter have been on top form to defeat Germany and Canada on their way to the semi-finals, setting up a clash with surprise package Slovakia after wins against the USA and Australia.
Under captain Anne Keothavong, Great Britain have been fueled by team spirit and Raducanu has enjoyed her return to the side following a spell on the sidelines due to injury.
With Italy beating Poland in the other semi-final, can Great Britain join them to set up a first Billie Jean King Cup final in over 40 years?
Follow the latest updates with our live blog below:
*Katie Boulter 5-2 Rebecca Sramkova
Oh my. Boulter unleashes on a second serve and drills a forehand across the court leaving Sramkova no chance at getting the return back.
The Brit closes in on a double break moving 15-40 into the lead against the serve.
Sramkova lands a great serve on the T line to take the next point but then belts a backhand over the far end of court. Boulter moves three games ahead and will serve for the set.
Katie Boulter 4-2 Rebecca Sramkova*
Katie Boulter is throwing out a celebratory fist pump for every point she wins. She knows the importance of this match and what it would mean for Great Britain to reach the final of this tournament.
Boulter takes a 30-15 lead on her own serve before sending a fine forehand across court. Sramkova looks to return down the line but the accuracy isn’t there.
Boulter has a two point cushion which helps her hold serve. She’s edging closer to this first set.
*Katie Boulter 3-2 Rebecca Sramkova
An almost perfect response from Rebecca Sramkova who secures her first hold of the set, only giving up one point in the game. Both players are having their moments with Boulter edging the crucial ones.
The pressure is right there for both players though and there’s a long way to go in this match.
Katie Boulter 3-1 Rebecca Sramkova*
It’s been a tough start to this set for Boulter but she manages to hold serve as Sramkova pings a forehand out of play. Boulter takes the lead in this set.
*Katie Boulter 2-1 Rebecca Sramkova
Boulter pins Sramkova in the bottom left corner and won’t let her out. The Slovakian looks to change the momentum of the rally by coming down the line but mishits here effort and sends the ball wide.
When Boulter finds the net in the next rally, Sramkova sets up a break point. An off balance forehand from the Slovakian sends the ball out of play and brings the game to deuce.
*Katie Boulter 2-1 Rebecca Sramkova
Nice from Boulter. She moves Sramkova over to the left with an inside out forehand that forces her opponent into the net. Her first service game wasn’t all that great but she seems to have found a bit of confidence here.
Boutler looks for a winner down the line but clips the top of the tape and gives up a point. 15-15.
*Katie Boulter 2-1 Rebecca Sramkova
Boulter finds the angle on a return of serve backhand to get a point on the board from Sramkova’s next service game. An error from the Slovakian allows Boutler to edge ahead.
In the next rally the ball clips the tape and Sramkova drills a forehand over the back of court. Boulter then breaks with an incredible return of serve down the line!
Three games down, three breaks so far.
Katie Boulter 1-1 Rebecca Sramkova*
Boulter’s solid start is already slipping as a couple of shots find the net leaving Sramkova with a couple of break points. She manages to get the break with a fine return from wide.
Boulter can’t keep the ball in play and the first set is on serve again.
*Katie Boulter 1-0 Rebecca Sramkova
Three break points were too many for Sramkova to save and Katie Boulter takes the first game with a break of serve. Boulter is bouncing around court and looks determined to get off to a strong start.
For her first service game she serves out to the forehand before switching across court and winning the point with a fine backhand winner.
Boulter looks confident.
Katie Boulter 0-0 Rebecca Sramkova*
Rebecca Sramkova has the opening serve and, much like Emma Raducanu before her, Katie Boulter looks to make a quick start to this match.
She wins the first three points and opens up a massive lead before Sramkova targets Boulter’s backhand and gets on the board. 15-40.
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