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 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.
*Emma Raducanu 4-1 Viktoria Hruncakova
Very impressive. Emma Raducanu is powering her way into an increased lead with Hrunkacova unable to match the level of the Brit. Raducanu has three break points and takes the break with a strong forehand that her opponent pumps back into the net.
A perfect start for Great Britain.
Emma Raducanu 3-1 Viktoria Hruncakova*
Back over to Emma Raducanu. She was made to work hard to hold her first service game but starts well in this one with another back hand down the line.
That’s great!
Hrunkacova comes forward to work the ball from the net but a passing forehand from Raducanu is too good for her and the Brit moves 30-0 up.
Two more fine serves give the game to Raducanu who keeps her two-game lead in tact.
*Emma Raducanu 2-1 Viktoria Hruncakova
Raducanu just needs to hold serve for the rest of this set and she’ll take the lead in the match. Hrunkacova opens up the next game with a double fault.
A blistering forehand from Raducanu sees her take another point but she can’t shake off her opponent who moves back level at 30-30.
A big serve from Hrunkacova troubles Raducanu who belts it too long. The Slovakian then holds serve. Game on.
Emma Raducanu 2-0 Viktoria Hruncakova*
No! This is going to be a well deserved win for whoever takes this game.
The two women are slugging it out, Raducanu stretches to whip another backhand down the line then takes the game as Hrunkacova’s return goes long!
*Emma Raducanu 1-0 Viktoria Hruncakova
Raducanu has the chance to close out the game but is dragged back to deuce before a double fault sets up another break point for Slovakia.
Raducanu doesn’t want to give this game up. An inside out forehand from the Brit lands right in the corner and Hrunkacova can’t get to the return.
A backhand winner puts Raducanu back within one point of holding her serve. Can she get over the line?
*Emma Raducanu 1-0 Viktoria Hruncakova
Oh no. A double fault from Raducanu gifts a couple of break points to Hrunkacova. A wayward return to a body serve from the Slovakian means Raducanu saves the first one.
She saves the second one too! A serve down the T forces the return out of play. Deuce.
*Emma Raducanu 1-0 Viktoria Hruncakova
The early break for Raducanu is a great start but she needs to hold this first service game to complete the break and take a two-nil advantage.
The first couple of points go to Hrunkacova though as Raducanu twice nails forehands into the net. A wonderful wide serve brings Raducanu onto the board but she’s still got work to do here.
15-30.
*Emma Raducanu 1-0 Viktoria Hruncakova
Hrunkacova makes a couple of errors to put Raducanu into the lead and then pushes a backhand into the net setting up two break points for the Brit.
She only needs one!
From the serve, Raducanu hooks the ball across court and the angle is too difficult for Hrunkacova to keep the ball in play. Raducanu takes the lead.
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