Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter thrash Canada as GB qualify for Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals

Emma Raducanu displayed a combination of ruthlessness, grit and determination in a “very difficult” contest as Great Britain ousted reigning champions Canada to reach the semi-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup. A blistering start against Canada’s Rebecca Marino saw Raducanu claim the opening set 6-0 without looking troubled, while she was forced to battle in the second before winning it 7-5.

The tie itself brought Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez on opposing sides three years on from their memorable contest in the 2021 US Open final, although the rules of the team event dictated there would not be a rematch between the pair. Instead, Fernandez, as Canada’s highest-ranked singles player was pitted against British number one Katie Boulter. Britain went into the second game with a 1-0 lead following Raducanu’s victory, and Boulter secured their place in the semi-finals with a dominant straight-sets 6-2, 6-4 win over the former world number 13.

Raducanu enjoyed a blistering start, but had to weather the storm at times in the second set, as she regained her focus at a key moment, to allow her to defend, and then capitalise. At 4-3 down in the second, Raducanu utilised her serve to save four break points in a single game that lasted almost 13 minutes, before breaking at a crucial moment to win Great Britain’s opening match.

‘The dynamics were so different in each of the sets’
“It was an incredibly difficult match because the dynamics were so different in each of the sets,” Raducanu explained. Marino, ranked just outside the top 100, was offered no opportunity to gain a foothold in the opening games as Raducanu stormed to take the first set 6-0, while the Canadian struggled to get going.

Although, taking such a decisive lead almost proved counter-productive. “I think it’s always difficult actually when you win a set so comfortably by the scoreline, because you almost think in your head, ‘something might go wrong here, there is no way I’m going to cruise through the entire match.’ So I was expecting it.” Britain’s Emma Raducanu in action during her match against Canada’s Rebecca Marino in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena Arena, Malaga, Spain, November 17, 2024

What Raducanu then experienced was a fast-serving onslaught followed by a powerful forehand that put the 22-year-old Briton firmly on the back foot. Relying on her serve, which has undergone work and was impressive in the opening win against Germany’s Jule Niemeier, and again against Marino, Raducanu saved seven break points in the second set across two games, and then went on the attack.

‘I managed to step up on those big points’
“I’m really pleased with how I managed to step up on those big points, big moments,” Raducanu said. “I think I just need to keep reminding myself those clutch situations is where I really kind of thrive and I really enjoy them for the most part.”

She added: “I think it [her serve] helped me out a lot in some big moments.

“I hit a few double faults, but I think I take them with a grain of salt when I can serve my way out of trouble as well.”

Having arrived in Malaga without a run of matches behind her after more than five weeks on the sidelines with a foot injury sustained in Seoul, Raducanu has thrived in the team environment.

Sat on a bench alongside non-playing captain Anne Keothavong and in front of her fellow teammates and support staff in the temporary arena at the Palacio de Deportes, Raducanu seemed at ease in the environment.

Team tournaments are limited in tennis, with only the Billie Jean King Cup and the Olympics offering a similar camaraderie that is the foundation of other sports.

“I’m happy to be a part of the team and really happy to put some good level out in my singles matches.

“I haven’t played for two months, so for me, it’s a really good introduction to match play.”

Fernandez’s failed by faltering serve
In the second match, Fernandez looked a very different player to the last time she was on the same court as Raducanu, three years prior.

Her serve had been smooth three years ago, but faltered at key moments as she appeared to be either reaching too far forward or backwards, serving up nine double faults.

Boulter struggled to close out, double faulting on her first match point, but secured her team’s place in the next round with her fourth.

“I feel like my level out there today was a series of what’s been building for quite some time,” Boulter said. “I’m very pleased with the way I played. I just went out with nothing to lose. Very happy with the win.”

The British number one has enjoyed an impressive season, breaking into the world top 25 for the first time, and looked just as comfortable against Fernandez, as she had in the opening tie when she blew away Laura Siegemund.

Great Britain will take on Slovakia in the semi-finals on Tuesday at 11am GMT.