Emma Raducanu, along with other British stars, will not be representing their squad at the Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against Team Australia at John Cain Arena in Melbourne Park from April 10 to 11. The decision comes after the world No. 23 skipped the WTA 1000 Miami Open due to an illness, with the team’s captain, Anne Keothavong, sharing the reasons why players would not be seen in action.
Emma Raducanu and Other British Stars Set to Skip Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier Against Australia
The elite British player Raducanu was not seen in action at the Miami Open due to an ongoing illness, after becoming unwell while playing at the Transylvania Open. She is still suffering from post-viral symptoms and last competed at Indian Wells, where she was defeated in the round of 32 by Amanda Anisimova in straight sets.
Given her health and other reasons, Raducanu will not compete in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifier; Katie Boulter and Francesca Jones will also skip the event. The British team is led by Keothavong, with Sonay Kartal, Harriet Dart, Mika Stojsavljevic, and Jodie Anna Burrage set to compete. The team has never won the title and was the runner-up in 1967, 1971, 1972, and 1981.
While speaking with Sky Sports, the former world No. 48 captain shed light on players’ schedules as the clay-court swing approaches, noting that most would focus on the tournaments, their health, and their season.
She added, “It’s a difficult time of year to be going back to Australia. It’s the start of the clay-court season for most of the players. I know most of the players take huge pride in representing Great Britain in this competition, but they also have to make choices for their own tennis and for their own health.”
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Meanwhile, Team Australia is led by Samantha Stosur and includes Maya Joint, Kimberly Birrell, Talia Gibson, Storm Hunter, and Ellen Perez. Apart from the Great Britain team, which will not see its top stars compete for their country, the Team USA roster also sees new faces for the qualifier.
Team USA is set to face Belgium in the qualifying round at the Coretec Dome in Ostend, Belgium, from April 10 to 11, 2026, and is captained by Lindsay Davenport, with players including Iva Jovic, Hailey Baptiste, McCartney Kessler, and Nicole Melichar.
However, elite players Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, Emma Navarro, Taylor Townsend, Coco Gauff, Peyton Stearns, and Amanda Anisimova will not be seen in action. The winner of the qualifiers will secure its spot in the eight-nation finals, which will be played in September in Shenzhen, China.
