Tennis | Billie Jean King Cup Qualifying: Emma Raducano named in Nice Britain squad

Former US Open champion Emma Raducano has been named in Nice Britain’s squad to face France within the qualifying spherical of the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup.

Roducano, 21, joins British primary Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart and Heather Watson in what captain Ann Keothavong says is a “full power workforce”.

Keothavong insisted that GB was “getting stronger and higher”.

He advised the LTA web site: “I am delighted to be touring with a full-strength workforce on the again of some unbelievable outcomes lately.

“The French facet will current a major problem as all the time, however everyone knows how GB’s illustration impacts us.”

GB certified for this 12 months’s qualifiers with a 3-1 play-off win over Sweden in November.

The winner of the best-of-five tie will advance to the Billie Jean King Cup closing later this 12 months, whereas the shedding nation will compete within the playoffs.

Nice Britain and France have met 4 occasions within the event’s historical past, with either side claiming two victories every.

Raducanu continues his comeback after an injury-plagued 2023 season – his newest match resulted in a straight-sets defeat within the third spherical at Indian Wells on Tuesday.

In the meantime, the 27-year-old Boulter gained her first WTA 500 title earlier this month after defeating Marta Kostyuk within the San Diego Open closing.

In different qualifiers, four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka will play within the BJK Cup for the primary time in 4 years when Japan tackle Kazakhstan in Tokyo.

The previous world primary returned to tennis in January after giving start to daughter Shai final 12 months.

The 26-year-old Osaka has performed in 5 tournaments up to now and most lately misplaced to Belgium’s Elise Mertens within the final 32 at Indian Wells.

World primary Aga Swietek has been named within the squad for Poland’s qualifying tie in Switzerland.

The 22-year-old, a four-time main winner, has reached the semi-finals of Indian Wells after Caroline Wozniacki retired with an harm in her quarter-final tie.

For Germany, Angelique Kerber is a part of the squad to face Brazil in Sao Paulo because the 36-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion additionally returns from giving start final 12 months.