Emma Raducanu announcement stuns tennis fans after sad call
Emma Raducanu has been picked in the Great British team for the Billie Jean King Cup next month, despite reports her season was over after she withdrew from the Transylvania Open with a wrist injury.
The British teenager became an overnight sensation when she won the US Open in 2021, becoming the first qualifier in tennis history to win a grand slam.
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However 2022 hasn't been as kind on the 19-year-old, with a number of injuries and retirements blighting her season.
It was also expected her withdrawal from the upcoming Transylvania Open with a wrist injury would be the end of her season.
But in a surprise announcement, Raducanu said she would be travelling to the Billie Jean King Cup in Glasgow next month.
She will join Harriet Dart, Katie Boulter and Heather Watson on team Great Britain.
"Making my debut for team GB in April was a special moment that I'll never forget," Raducanu said of her selection.
"Stepping out on court and seeing all the flags flying, all of your team cheering you on, it's such a unique event that I'm really looking forward to experiencing again.
"Having the opportunity to host the finals in your home country doesn't come around very often so we'll do everything we can to make our fans proud."
Concern over Emma Raducanu's wrist injury
While there is hope Raducanu can take part for Great Britain, doubt still remains over her participation after it appeared she wouldn't take part in anymore individual events this year.
Team captain Anne Keothavong was hopeful Raducanu could play after pointing out she still has a few weeks of rest before the tournament in November.
"This is a strong squad for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, and we're keen to finish the year on a high in front of the passionate crowds in Glasgow," she said of the announcement.
"All four players have experience in the competition and great memories of playing for GB."
Great Britain have the opportunity to include one more member to the squad in case of injury.
The tennis world was quick to react to the surprise selection after the wrist injury.
One more place available. Katie Swan and Jodie Burrage waiting in the wings, you would expect, with Swan in great form.
Changes (up to 3) to team can be made up until 11am on Monday 7 November, so Emma Raducanu could still pull out if she fails to recover from her wrist injury.— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) October 10, 2022
Raducanu will play assuming that wrist heals in the next four weeks. Anne Keothavong will add one more player in the coming weeks - Katie Swan in pole position after winning on the ITF Tour in Slovakia yesterday, but Jodie Burrage is also in the mix https://t.co/NPWNzKThJw
— Russell Fuller (@russellcfuller) October 10, 2022
As expected, Raducanu in the team despite those wrist concerns. No doubles specialists. One place remains open, with Katie Swan surely in pole position. https://t.co/Qr8yrVmL6A
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) October 10, 2022
Emma Raducanu has been selected for the GB squad for next month's Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Glasgow. It's felt she'll be fit to play despite ending her WTA season prematurely with a wrist injury. Harriet Dart, Heather Watson & Katie Boulter (plus 1 more) are also on the team
— Rob Maul (@Rob_Maul) October 10, 2022
Incredibly risky including Raducanu
— roger (@rogerc32) October 10, 2022
Why On Earth Is Raducanu In Our BJK Cup Team?
— Super Max 🦁🏴🇳🇱🏆🏆 (@dangerkl) October 10, 2022
What are the chances the BJK Cup puts Raducanu front and centre of their ticketing and marketing campaigns only for her to withdraw a few days before the event?
— Steven Mills (@StevenMtennis) October 10, 2022
It’s the last event of the year so I assume she’s hoping she is fit, if not she will withdraw
— James (@James986_) October 10, 2022
Raducanu has plummeted down to World No.67 in the rankings after a loss in the first round at the US Open - and she will continue to slide on the back of her latest withdrawal.
The British No.1, whose father is Romanian, won her first WTA Tour matches in Cluj-Napoca last year when she reached the quarter-finals at the event.
But a message on the tournament’s Twitter feed at the Transylvania Open last week read: “Sadly, Emma Raducanu is forced to withdraw from Transylvania Open due to a wrist injury.
"Get well fast, Emma! We’re looking forward to see you soon.”
with AAP
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