Emma Raducanu Prioritizes Fitness: Withdraws from Billie Jean King Cup to Focus on Recovery

Rising Star Takes Strategic Break After Demanding Tournament Run

British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has made the difficult decision to withdraw from Great Britain's squad for the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in the Netherlands. The 22-year-old explained this move as necessary to "look after her body" following a grueling tournament schedule.

Recent Performance Highlights

Raducanu's decision comes after an impressive showing at the Miami Open:

• Reached the quarter-finals last week
• Climbed back into the world's top 50 rankings
• Competed in seven tournaments this year - her busiest first quarter ever

Before her quarter-final loss to Jessica Pegula in Miami, Raducanu required medical attention, highlighting her physical strain.

Managing Physical Demand

Raducanu's representatives emphasized:

• This was a "difficult decision"
• She needs "space in the calendar" for recovery
• Plans a 2-3 week training block before returning

The 2021 US Open champion has withdrawn from the Rouen Open (starting April 14) with no confirmed return date.

BJK Cup Implications

The Billie Jean King Cup qualifying matches against Netherlands and Germany (April 10-12) will now proceed without Britain's number two player. Team captain Anne Keothavong remains confident:

"Of course you always miss a player of her quality. But I have utmost belief in the traveling players."

The team will likely add another player to join Boulter, Kartal, Dart, and Nicholls.

Ongoing Challenges

Raducanu's career has been marked by fitness struggles:

• Persistent injury concerns in recent seasons
• February 2025: Took time off after being stalked in Dubai
• Currently focusing on long-term physical conditioning

Tournament Context

• Poland's Iga Swiatek also withdrew from her nation's BJK Cup qualifiers
• The Hague qualifiers will determine which team advances to the Finals
• Other teams will compete in 2026 qualifier playoffs

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