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Billie Jean King Cup LIVE: Great Britain lose doubles decider against Slovakia in semi-final

Surprise package Slovakia ended Great Britain’s hopes of a first Billie Jean King Cup final since 1981

Michael Jones
Tuesday 19 November 2024 12:42 EST
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Emma Raducanu can 'beat almost anyone' if she stays fit

Great Britain were knocked out of the Billie Jean King Cup at the semi-final stage by a resilient Slovakia who came from a point down to triumph in Malaga and set up a clash with Italy in the final.

Britain stuck with the gameplan that brought them success in the week with Emma Raducanu leading off against Viktoria Hruncakova. The British No. 2 was in fabulous form and won an early break on her way to a 6-4 6-4 straight set victory.

In the second singles match Katie Boulter looked to be sending Britain to their first BJK Cup final since 1981 when she took the opening set against Rebecca Sramkova but there was a twist to come. Sramkova overturned the set deficit and stormed to a well fought 6-2 4-6 4-6 victory leaving the tie in the balance.

A deciding doubles match saw Heather Watson and Olivia Nicholls take to the court for the first time this week but they were outclassed by the Slovakian duo of Hrancakova and Tereza Mihalikova who took a 6-2 6-2 win to advance to the next stage.

Relive the latest updates with our live blog below:

Emma Raducanu 6-4 4-2 Viktoria Hruncakova*

Raducanu holds! The Brit moves two games ahead in the second set and has a break completed. She’s closing in on winning this match and giving Great Britain the advantage in this semi-final.

Can Hruncakova get back into the set?

Mike Jones19 November 2024 12:37

*Emma Raducanu 6-4 3-2 Viktoria Hruncakova

Hruncakova turns a backhand into the net and gives Raducanu the chance at closing out the game. She can’t get it done straight away as she clips the tape and brings the game to deuce.

A fine forehand down the line takes her to advantage before a cross court backhand hits the net. Back to deuce.

Mike Jones19 November 2024 12:34

*Emma Raducanu 6-4 3-2 Viktoria Hruncakova

Now then, can Raducanu hold serve here and complete the break?

She starts off the game with a double fault before following up with an ace to make it 15-15. Raducanu then serves out to the forehand and follows up to the same side of court, Hruncakova is off balance and can’t get in the return.

A backhand from Raducanu then hits the net and there’s nothing to separate the two players again. 30-30.

Mike Jones19 November 2024 12:30

*Emma Raducanu 6-4 3-2 Viktoria Hruncakova - Break!

A backhand return of serve from Raducanu puts her into the lead against the serve and she doubles the advantage when Hruncavkova goes long.

The Slovakian manages to claw her way back into the game but a backhand slice from Raducanu draws the error and sets up a couple of break points. Can she take one?

Yes! Hruncakova misses out on a smash and Raducanu goes ahead in the set.

(Getty Images for ITF)
Mike Jones19 November 2024 12:26

Emma Raducanu 6-4 2-2 Viktoria Hruncakova*

That’s good.

A tight game sees the two women trade blows and points up to 30-30 before Emma Raducanu serves an ace down the T and closes out the game with another one.

Lovely serving from the Brit.

Mike Jones19 November 2024 12:24

*Emma Raducanu 6-4 1-2 Viktoria Hruncakova

Hruncakova is giving herself a pep talk after a couple of errors. That’s a sign that she feels as though she’s now playing well enough to challenge Raducanu.

The Brit slots a lovely return of serve down the line with her forehand and moves within a point of the Slovakian at 40-30.

Hruncakova gets the hold though when Raducanu pings a backhand into the net. She leads in the second set.

Mike Jones19 November 2024 12:19

Emma Raducanu 6-4 1-1 Viktoria Hruncakova*

And Raducanu does respond!

A hold of serve to love will restore a bit of confidence in the Brit who draws level in the second set. The first break, whichever way it comes, could be crucial to determine who wins here.

Mike Jones19 November 2024 12:16

*Emma Raducanu 6-4 0-1 Viktoria Hruncakova

The second set begins with a fine hold of serve for Viktoria Hruncakova. She’s found her footing on this court and will go through the gears to cause issues for Emma Raducanu.

A response is needed.

Mike Jones19 November 2024 12:14

Emma Raducanu 6-4 Viktoria Hruncakova - Game and set Raducanu!

It was tough in the end but Emma Raducanu gets over the line and claims the opening set of the match. Viktoria Hruncakova fought back brilliantly and things will be closer from here on.

Mike Jones19 November 2024 12:08

*Emma Raducanu 5-4 Viktoria Hruncakova

This is Emma Raducanu’s second chance to see out this set. She pulls her length back just a touch and lands her shots closer to the net than the baseline.

Hrunkacova seems reluctant to come forward and can only float a forehand out of play. Raducanu takes the next point with a decent serve before going wide to the forehand. Hrunkacova smokes it back but Raducanu is well placed to flick it back and force another error.

Three set points for the Brit.

Mike Jones19 November 2024 12:06

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