Team GB react to Emma Raducanu withdrawal as replacement makes feelings clear

Team GB captain Anne Keothavong has admitted that she is 'disappointed' not to have Emma Raducanu in her team for the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup. The one-time US Open champion was initially named in the British squad ahead of their quarter-final match against Japan on Thursday. However, she later withdrew in order to compete at the Korea Open instead.

Raducanu has opted to prioritise her individual career, with the 22-year-old hoping to earn some crucial ranking points ahead of next year's Australian Open. Keothavong was quizzed on Raducanu's absence on Wednesday and made no attempt to hide her disappointment, but added that she was only focused on those players who are currently in the squad.

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"Yeah, obviously just disappointing not to have your top player here," said Keothavong. "But look, as I've said before, we're here and we're ready to go tomorrow.

"The players I've got here are well-prepared and excited about the challenge of taking on Japan tomorrow. This is a competition that means a lot to all of us and one that we really want to do well together as a team.

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"Look, I'm feeling confident as captain with the players I have here. Yeah, just really excited to get going."

Francesca Jones was drafted in to replace Raducanu in the four-player squad and insisted that she is looking forward to representing her country.

"Obviously I've had a good season so far," she said. "I've built a lot of momentum. I was grateful to have the opportunity to continue that in Sao Paulo, but still managed to come here.

"For me, I'm very patriotic, proper northerner that loves my country. I'm very happy to be here and join the girls and join my team and enjoy my experiences as previously. Just ready to rock and roll, really."

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It comes after Raducanu's former coach Mark Petchey claimed that she had made the right decision by withdrawing from the British squad.

"There's always two sides to everything," he said. "It's very easy to come down on the side that you should want to represent your country.

"When you look back at what she achieved on the clay against France, she proved that when she's put up against it, she can produce the goods and does want to play. I don't think you can blame Emma for a schedule that makes zero sense."

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