Billie Jean King Cup 2024: Emma Raducanu moves Great Britain closer to Malaga final
Having a player of Raducanu’s pedigree and potential will be integral to Team GB finally lifting the trophies that so many women’s football icons have won.
Whether that will happen on Wednesday, at some point in Raducanu’s career, or not at all, remains to be seen.
But over the past week, she’s shown once again why Anne Cosavon’s team needs her fit and sacked.
In all three games of the GB12 finals in Malaga, Raducanu set the stage for world number 24 Bolt to finish early.
Raducanu did not compete for two months before the women’s team competition due to a foot injury, and her status remains to be seen.
Straight-sets wins over Germany’s Jules Niemeyer and Canada’s Rebecca Marino were encouraging given her previous absences.
Raducanu is once again expected to easily defeat Hrenchakova, who is ranked 241st in the world and mainly competes in the third level ITF Futures Tour.
The Slovakian player had a slow start, and the game mainly revolved around baseline strength. Raducanu led 5-1 in the first set, but as her opponent progressed, she became slightly passive.
However, her first-server hit rate wasn’t as high as she’d hoped and her return lacked rhythm, with Hrenchakova making it 5-4 before Raducanu served.
The second set had a similar story.
Raducanu confidently converted a double before Hrenchakova hit back with a shot, forcing the British second seed to once again show her resilience.
She won with a forehand on match point, a roar in her throat that showed her satisfaction, and a huge smile on her face as she high-fived the entire British team after the match.
“Every game is really challenging and it gets more challenging as the game goes on,” said Raducanu, who thrives in a team environment.
“It was a tough match and my opponent hit huge shots and was ranked higher than her.
“I’m happy with my composure and my serving performance.”
