In a thrilling announcement for tennis fans, Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team is set to take on the world’s best in Shenzhen, China, from September 16-21, 2025. Captain Anne Keothavong has unveiled a formidable squad, featuring Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Emma Raducanu, and Jodie Burrage. This star-studded lineup, boasting three players ranked within the WTA’s top 50, promises to deliver an electrifying performance as they aim to end Britain’s 44-year drought for a title in the prestigious women’s team competition, last won under its former name, the Federation Cup, in 1981.
Katie Boulter, Britain’s No. 1 and ranked 41st globally, leads the charge with her commanding presence on the court. Known for her powerful forehand and relentless determination, Boulter has been a cornerstone of the team, contributing pivotal wins in past qualifiers. Her standout performance came in April 2025, when she staged a rousing comeback against Germany’s Tatjana Maria, securing a 1-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory on clay to help propel Great Britain into the Finals. Despite a challenging singles loss to the Netherlands’ Suzan Lamens, Boulter’s resilience shone through in a decisive doubles victory alongside Jodie Burrage, clinching a 6-2, 6-2 win to seal Britain’s spot in Shenzhen. “Every captain wants a Katie Boulter on their team,” Keothavong praised, highlighting her ability to rebound from setbacks. “Katie, after the disappointment of her singles, responded remarkably well. It was always an option for us, and they went out there and did the job.”
Sonay Kartal, ranked 45th, brings fresh momentum to the squad, having made an unforgettable debut in April’s qualifiers. The 23-year-old showcased her grit and skill, defeating Germany’s Jule Niemeier 6-4, 6-2 and the Netherlands’ Eva Vedder 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, earning praise for her composure under pressure. “I’m super proud of that debut match,” Kartal said after her win over Niemeier. “It is obviously nerve-wracking when you’re the first match on, but I loved having the coach next to me. It is a different kind of tennis, but I absolutely love this environment.” Her recent run to the fourth round at Wimbledon—the furthest of any British woman this year—underscores her rising star status and potential to make a significant impact in Shenzhen.
Emma Raducanu, the former US Open champion and current world No. 46, adds a dynamic edge to the team. Despite battling injuries, including a foot sprain that sidelined her for two months before last year’s Billie Jean King Cup, Raducanu has proven her mettle in team competitions. In 2024, she went unbeaten in her five matches, including a star turn against France, where she leveled the tie against Caroline Garcia and clinched it against Diane Parry in a thrilling third-set tiebreak. “The more I play Billie Jean King Cup, the more I enjoy it,” Raducanu shared. “The stakes are so high—but in a really relaxed and exciting way.” Her recent doubles success alongside Elena Rybakina at the Washington Open further highlights her versatility, making her a potential asset in both singles and doubles.
Jodie Burrage, ranked 116th, rounds out the squad with her tenacity and doubles prowess. After overcoming wrist and ankle injuries in 2024, Burrage has made a strong comeback, notably partnering with Boulter to secure the crucial doubles win against the Netherlands in April. Her career-best title at the W100 Dubai and wins at the Australian Open and Eastbourne demonstrate her growing confidence. Burrage’s doubles experience, including recent pairings with Kartal at Wimbledon, could prove vital in the best-of-three match format, which includes two singles and a potential deciding doubles rubber.
Great Britain, seeded second behind Italy, will face a tough challenge in the quarter-finals against Japan on September 18, led by four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. A victory would pit them against either the United States, featuring Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys, or Kazakhstan, led by Elena Rybakina. The competition’s intensity is palpable, with top-10 stars like Jasmine Paolini (Italy) and Paula Badosa (Spain) also in the mix. “This is an incredible line-up of players, and we are so excited to see them giving everything for their countries in Shenzhen,” said Conchita Martinez, the Billie Jean King Cup Finals Tournament Director. “This is a truly unique competition, and the strength of the team nominations proves how much the players value the chance to try and help their nations become world champions.”
The team’s camaraderie, forged through moments like celebrating Raducanu’s 22nd birthday with balloons and a candlelit chocolate cake during last year’s Finals in Malaga, has been a key strength. Keothavong’s leadership has fostered a tight-knit group, with players thriving in the high-stakes yet supportive environment. “I know what’s important for me in this competition, that the girls find a way to gel and get on,” Keothavong emphasized. Despite falling to Slovakia in the 2024 semi-finals, the team’s run showcased their potential to compete with the best.
As Great Britain prepares to battle in Shenzhen, the combination of Boulter’s power, Kartal’s fearless debut energy, Raducanu’s flair, and Burrage’s grit offers hope for a historic run. With the Finals kicking off on September 16, fans worldwide eagerly await whether this talented squad can bring home the title and etch their names in British tennis history.
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