Billie Jean King Cup LIVE: Great Britain lose first set to Slovakia in semi-final doubles decider
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 6-2 4-5 Rebecca Sramkova
Rebecca Sramkova needs a reset. She’s had her moments to kill off Katie Boulter in this set but hasn’t been able to shake her. From Sramkova’s next service game she wins the first couple of points to settle the nerves.
A serve to Boutler’s forehand sets up a forehand return which Boulter puts too long. The Slovakian holds serve to love and has the chance to win the set.
She just needs to break Boutler now.
Katie Boulter 6-2 4-4 Rebecca Sramkova*
Boulter is drawn into another tough game as Sramkova matches her point for point to 30-30. There’s a tense hush in the arena before Boutler sends a serve out wide and draws an error out of the Slovakian.
The Brit then holds her serve as Sramkova goes long! The momentum has swung back to Boulter in this set.
*Katie Boulter 6-2 3-4 Rebecca Sramkova - Break!
This is the game for Boutler. She needs to win here and now to put all the pressure back on her opponent. A wayward forehand from Sramkova gives the first point to the Brit before an second error puts Boulter 0-30 up as she hunts for the break of serve.
Sramkova goes long again and sets up three break points for Boutler to attack. This is fine stuff from the British No. 1.
Boulter does go after her. She meets the second serve with a forehand to the baseline and Sramkova hooks her return out of play. Boutler breaks and the second set is back on serve.
Katie Boulter 6-2 2-4 Rebecca Sramkova*
Boulter needs to get a foothold in the set. The momentum has been taken from her but a hold of serve here will help proceedings. The Brit moves 30-15 ahead but Sramkova seems hungry.
She goes after Boutler’s second serve and targets the middle of court. Boutler responds by keeping the ball in play forcing her opponent into the net.
Boutler holds and closes the gap.
*Katie Boulter 6-2 1-4 Rebecca Sramkova
Rebecca Sramkova opens up a handy lead now! She’s three games ahead of Katie Boulter with that completed break. Boutler can’t panic, there’s plenty of time left in the set but the Brit needs to rediscover her form from the first set.
The next game will be a big one. Boulter needs to land her serves to turn this around.
Katie Boulter 6-2 1-3 Rebecca Sramkova*
Rebecca Sramkova looks to take advantage of her strong position but she can’t get away from Katie Boulter who takes the game to 30-30.
A serve out wide wins Sramkova the next point and one more will see her complete the break.
Boutler hangs in the rally and forces Sramkova side-to-side. She takes the point and forces the game to deuce. Boutler isn’t giving this set up.
Katie Boulter 6-2 1-3 Rebecca Sramkova*
No! A double fault gifts the game to Rebecca Sramkova. Katie Boulter is paying a heavy price for missing her first serves. The set is there to be won for the Slovakian now.
*Katie Boulter 6-2 1-2 Rebecca Sramkova
Emma Raducanu has finished her recovery and is back in the arena to cheer on Katie Boulter in this match. There are a lot of nervous faces from both team benches but only looks of determination on the faces of Boutler and Sramkova.
Both players trade points as Boutler looks to hold serve, the Brit then sends a forehand too wide and puts her opponent ahead at 15-30.
The pressure is on once more.
Boulter handles it well. She wins the next rally but then goes too long! Sramkova has another break point now. Can Boulter hold serve?
*Katie Boulter 6-2 1-2 Rebecca Sramkova - Break!
Boutler breaks back immediately! Sramkova had 40-15 advantage in that game but somehow Boulter fought her way into the game and then won it.
A volley winner from the Brit sends her yelling in celebration. The second set is back on serve.
Katie Boulter 6-2 0-2 Rebecca Sramkova*
Wow. Rebecca Sramkova lands three aces in a row but it’s not quite enough to avoid any hint of an immediate break back from Katie Boulter.
Boulter twice attacks the second serve before landing a forehand on the line to force the game to deuce! This is great skill from both players.
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