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:
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 1-2 Viktoria Hruncakova
Hruncakova is giving herself a pep talk after a couple of errors. That’s a sign that she feels as though she’s now playing well enough to challenge Raducanu.
The Brit slots a lovely return of serve down the line with her forehand and moves within a point of the Slovakian at 40-30.
Hruncakova gets the hold though when Raducanu pings a backhand into the net. She leads in the second set.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 1-1 Viktoria Hruncakova*
And Raducanu does respond!
A hold of serve to love will restore a bit of confidence in the Brit who draws level in the second set. The first break, whichever way it comes, could be crucial to determine who wins here.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 0-1 Viktoria Hruncakova
The second set begins with a fine hold of serve for Viktoria Hruncakova. She’s found her footing on this court and will go through the gears to cause issues for Emma Raducanu.
A response is needed.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 Viktoria Hruncakova - Game and set Raducanu!
It was tough in the end but Emma Raducanu gets over the line and claims the opening set of the match. Viktoria Hruncakova fought back brilliantly and things will be closer from here on.
*Emma Raducanu 5-4 Viktoria Hruncakova
This is Emma Raducanu’s second chance to see out this set. She pulls her length back just a touch and lands her shots closer to the net than the baseline.
Hrunkacova seems reluctant to come forward and can only float a forehand out of play. Raducanu takes the next point with a decent serve before going wide to the forehand. Hrunkacova smokes it back but Raducanu is well placed to flick it back and force another error.
Three set points for the Brit.
*Emma Raducanu 5-4 Viktoria Hruncakova
Oh no! Hrunkacova controls the game and works Raducanu from side to side. She sends her over to the right but the Brit manages to squeeze back a return from a tight angle.
Hrunkacova should win the point but instead sends the ball into the net. The Slovakian edges into a 40-30 lead though before a return of serve from Raducanu goes long and gives her another game.
That’s three in a row for the Slovakian.
Emma Raducanu 5-3 Viktoria Hruncakova* - Break!
A double fault ends Raducanu’s hopes of getting the first set closed off. Hrunkacova is right on top of her game now as evidence by a blistering forehand winner she belts across court.
*Emma Raducanu 5-2 Viktoria Hruncakova
Emma Raducanu is now serving to close out the first set. So far she’s sent down three double faults and three aces in this match as she attempts to increase the power of the first serve.
A drop shot from Hrunkacova is no trouble for Raducanu who flies up court and flicks it back into play to win the point.
Her opponent isn’t letting the set go quietly. She finds the baseline with a strong return then whips a forehand across court forcing a miscue from Raducanu.
The game moves level at 30-30.
*Emma Raducanu 5-2 Viktoria Hruncakova
Hrunkacova is beginning to click into gear. It may be too little too late for this opening set but the more she begins to feel at home on the court the better her chances of winning the match.
The Slovakian moves 40-15 ahead with a lovely crosscourt backhand but just when it feels as though the momentum is with her she sends down a double fault.
It doesn’t matter though. Hrunkacova holds serve and is still in this set.
Emma Raducanu 5-1 Viktoria Hruncakova*
Raducanu is properly turning up the heat. Her accuracy, hitting corner to corner, is frighteningly good and causing a lot of problems for Hrunkacova.
A body serve from Raducanu forces the Slovakian into another error before a backhand down the line winner puts Raducanu 40-0 up in the game.
She holds serve with her second ace of the match.
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