Raducanu injury return confirmed for this week’s Billie Jean King Cup

Emma Raducanu is set to make a comeback as she joins forces with Katie Boulter for Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup finals match against Germany on Friday. This marks Raducanu’s return from an injury that had kept her off the court since September, when she sprained ligaments in her foot at the Korea Open. Now fully recovered, she’s back on the British team, captained by Anne Keothavong, and ready to compete in Malaga.

Raducanu, who turned 22 on Wednesday, brings both experience and talent to the squad, having previously led Britain to victory over France in April’s qualifiers. Boulter, who recently reached the final of the Hong Kong Open, will be her doubles partner, and this pairing is generating optimism. Tournament director and former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez has high hopes for the duo, noting, “She’s one of the best tennis players out there with great results. It’s great that Great Britain can count on her. She’s passionate for her country and I think it’s going to be great.”

Boulter’s recent performances have also been strong, with Martinez having observed her success during the Asia tournaments. “Katie has been playing great tennis in the last two tournaments,” Martinez added. “I think they can do great. It’s going to be an open event with great players and strong competition.”

For Raducanu, the Billie Jean King Cup presents an opportunity to close out her season on a positive note after what has largely been a successful year, especially on British grass. Despite the injury setback, she’s posted impressive results and shown resilience, though questions linger about her scheduling and durability.

Britain heads into the tie against Germany as favorites, with Germany’s highest-ranked player, Laura Siegemund, sitting at No. 84 in the world. Alongside Raducanu and Boulter, the British squad features Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, and doubles specialist Olivia Nicholls. A victory on Friday would lead Britain to a quarter-final clash against defending champions Canada on Sunday.

The tournament kicked off on Wednesday with Spain facing Poland, whose team is led by the top-ranked Iga Swiatek. The Billie Jean King Cup is being held alongside the Davis Cup for the first time this year at the same venue, a move that has generated excitement as both tournaments will overlap for two days next week. Rafael Nadal, playing the final tournament of his illustrious career for Spain, is undoubtedly drawing huge attention, but Martinez isn’t worried that this will overshadow the women’s event.

“They are two different events, and we’re going to have our fans,” Martinez said. “This will create a fantastic atmosphere where fans from the Billie Jean King Cup or Davis Cup can move between courts and enjoy high-quality tennis. For Spain, Nadal’s final appearance is massive, but I think it will enhance, not overshadow, the women’s tournament.”

Martinez herself hopes to catch part of Nadal’s farewell, which could come as early as Tuesday when Spain faces the Netherlands. She also sees potential in this year’s joint event, envisioning it as a step toward a future where the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup could regularly share a venue. “I know Billie Jean [King] is keen to see that, and I think it’s very exciting. We already have many combined events on the tour. The players, both men and women, look forward to being together as a team.”

As the matches unfold, fans will have the unique opportunity to witness both the men’s and women’s events together, possibly setting the stage for more joint tournaments in the future.