Billie Jean King Cup LIVE: Great Britain face Slovakia in doubles decider after Katie Boulter defeat
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?
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Katie Boulter 6-2 0-0 Rebecca Sramkova*
Katie Boulter 6-2 Rebecca Sramkova
Sramkova isn’t feeling the pressure. She saves both set points and forces the game to deuce. Boulter slows things down and resets but faults on her next first serve.
Her second serve is hooked back but Boulter comes down the line and wins the point. There’s another chance to win the set now.
This time she takes it! It’s an ace down the T line. Her first of the match.
*Katie Boulter 5-2 Rebecca Sramkova
A hold of serve will earn Katie Boulter this opening set and pile heaps of pressure on Rebecca Sramkova. The Brit begins the game by forcing her opponent into the net before lacing a forehand down the line to double her lead.
Sramkova looks so uncomfortable on court at the minute. She knows that she’s being outplayed.
Boulter gives up a point with a forehand into the net but wins the next rally to give herself two set points.
*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.
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