Great Britain captain Anne Keothavong has struck a defiantly optimistic tone ahead of the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals, insisting her team possesses a "real shot" at lifting the prestigious trophy for the first time since 1981, despite the notable absence of former US Open champion Emma Raducanu.
The finals, to be held in Seville, Spain from November 12-17, will see 12 nations compete for the title. Great Britain, finalists in 2023, have been drawn in a challenging group alongside Australia and Slovenia. The absence of Raducanu, who is prioritizing her physical conditioning after a grueling comeback from multiple surgeries, is a significant blow, but Keothavong’s confidence in her squad remains unshaken.
A Deep and Talented Squad Steps Up
The British team traveling to Seville is a blend of experience and exciting talent, headlined by world number 28 Katie Boulter. Boulter has enjoyed a career-best season, winning the WTA 500 event in San Diego and establishing herself as a formidable force on hard courts. She will be supported by the rapidly improving Jodie Burrage, the experienced Harriet Dart, and the formidable doubles pairing of Heather Watson and Maia Lumsden.
Keothavong emphasized the collective strength and camaraderie within the group, stating, "Of course, we'd love to have Emma available, but she's not. We have to move on. What we have is a group of players who are all in great form, who support each other unconditionally, and who believe they can beat anyone on their day. That belief is everything in a team competition."
Learning from the 2023 Final Defeat
The heartbreak of last year’s 2-1 defeat to Canada in the final remains a powerful motivator. The team came within a single match tie-break of victory, an experience that Keothavong believes has forged a tougher, more determined unit. "Getting so close last year was painful, but it showed us we belong at this level," she reflected. "The players have used that as fuel all year."
The key factors that contributed to their 2023 success remain intact:
- Strong Home Support: While played in Spain, British fans travel in force.
- Doubles Prowess: Watson's experience is complemented by Lumsden's left-handed game.
- Team Cohesion: The bond between the players is frequently cited as their biggest asset.
Navigating a Tough Group Stage
The path to the knockout stages is fraught with difficulty. Australia, led by the powerful world number 11 Storm Hunter and the experienced Ajla Tomljanović, presents a formidable first hurdle. Slovenia, spearheaded by the talented Tamara Zidanšek, a former French Open semi-finalist, cannot be underestimated. Keothavong acknowledged the challenge, saying, "There are no easy matches at the Finals. Every nation here has earned their place. We must be ready from the first point."
The Boulter Factor and Supporting Cast
All eyes will be on Katie Boulter to lead from the front. Her powerful baseline game and newfound confidence make her a threat to any opponent in the singles rubbers. The critical second singles spot will likely be contested between Harriet Dart, known for her fighting spirit and defensive skills, and Jodie Burrage, whose aggressive game is well-suited to indoor hard courts. The flexibility of the lineup is a strategic advantage for Captain Keothavong.
The decision to prioritize the proven doubles combination of Watson and Lumsden could prove decisive. In last year’s semi-final against Spain, it was the doubles pairing that clinched the vital winning point. "In the BJK Cup, it so often comes down to the doubles," Watson noted. "We thrive on that pressure."
Raducanu's Absence: A Setback or an Opportunity?
While Raducanu’s star power and big-match pedigree are undeniably missed, her absence removes a potential distraction and allows the team to fully embrace its underdog status. It also provides a clear opportunity for players like Burrage and Dart to step into a more prominent role and make a name for themselves on the international stage. The situation has fostered a "nothing to lose" mentality that can be liberating.
Tennis analyst and former player Laura Robson concurred with Keothavong’s assessment, stating, "On paper, without Emma, people might underestimate GB. But that's a mistake. This is a tight-knit group that plays for the badge. Katie is a genuine top-30 player now, and their doubles team is one of the best in the competition. They absolutely can win it."
Conclusion: Belief is the Key Ingredient
The mission for Great Britain is clear: navigate a difficult group, harness the pain of last year’s near-miss, and leverage their profound team spirit. While other nations may boast higher-ranked individuals, few can match the collective resolve of Keothavong’s squad. As the captain herself put it, "We know what we're capable of. We've been there before. We're not just going to make up the numbers."
The 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals will be the ultimate test of depth and character. For Great Britain, the absence of a major star has not dimmed the belief; if anything, it has strengthened the resolve of a united team daring to dream of creating their own piece of history in Seville.