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?
Follow the latest updates with our live blog below:
*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.
More from Raducanu
“It’s amazing to have this support. Today I felt like I needed it and the team is going to need it. I really appreciate so much support from everyone on the GB side.
“I’m going to get everything done as soon as possible so I can come back here and support, and give everything like I just did on the court on the bench. I wish Katie well, she’s playing amazing and I can’t wait to come out and support her as well.”
Raducanu reacts to Hruncakova win
“Every match is extremely challenging and as the tournament progresses it’s more and more. It was a really tough battle because my opponent has a huge ball-strike and she plays much above her ranking. On these courts, it really suits her. But I was really pleased with how I composed myself and served it out in both sets.
“Both sides of hers come with extreme power and if you give her time to either side, she can really hit it. The tactic was to try to keep her moving and not let her get the first strike in. I did that well with my serving and starting the point and I’m really happy to come through that.”
Katie Boulter v Rebecca Sramkova
Katie Boulter will face Rebecca Sramkova in the second match of this semi-final. Sramkova took on the Brit in Rome earlier this year and defeated her so there is history between these two.
Boulter has the safety net after Emma Raducanu’s win but she’ll want to send GB into the final.
‘Raducanu’s immaculate week continues'
BBC commentator Sue Thearle said: “Emma Raducanu’s immaculate week continues. She hasn’t dropped a set and she has delivered another priceless victory.
“She gives Great Britain real momentum at the start of this semi-final. What performance and what a win to get Anne Keothavong’s team going in this.”
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