The tennis world buzzed with anticipation as Great Britain prepared for the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, only to face a last-minute twist: Emma Raducanu, the nation’s former U.S. Open champion, would not be taking the court. The 22-year-old star, whose meteoric rise has captivated fans since her 2021 Grand Slam triumph, made the tough call to step back from the team’s matches against Germany and the Netherlands, set for April 10-12, 2025, in The Hague. In her place, Jodie Burrage, a rising talent in British tennis, has been tapped to join the squad, injecting fresh energy into a lineup already brimming with determination.
Raducanu’s decision didn’t come lightly. After a grueling start to the 2025 season, where she competed in seven tournaments and notched her deepest run at a WTA 1000 event by reaching the Miami Open quarterfinals, the young star felt the strain. “She needs a little space in the calendar to best look after her body,” her team explained, underscoring the physical toll of her packed schedule. That Miami run, which saw her topple top-10 player Emma Navarro and climb back into the world’s top 50, was a testament to her resilience—but also a reminder of the need for rest. With only one week off from WTA events this year, Raducanu opted for a training block over national duty, a choice her camp described as “difficult” but necessary.
Stepping into the spotlight is Burrage, a 25-year-old who’s no stranger to the Billie Jean King Cup stage. This will mark her third appearance for Great Britain, having debuted in 2023 against Sweden. She now joins a formidable crew: Katie Boulter, the British No. 1; Sonay Kartal, a rising star; Harriet Dart, a seasoned competitor; and Olivia Nicholls, the country’s top doubles player. Together, they’ll tackle a new round-robin qualifying format, where the top team advances to the finals later in 2025, while the others face a playoff to secure their spot for 2026. It’s a high-stakes challenge, and Burrage’s inclusion signals confidence in her ability to rise to the occasion.
Team captain Anne Keothavong didn’t mince words about the shake-up. “I recognize this has been a difficult decision for Emma,” she said, her tone blending disappointment with resolve. “Of course you always miss a player of her quality on the team—we’ve seen what she can do in the past representing her country—but I have the utmost belief in the players who are traveling next week.” Keothavong’s faith in her squad is well-placed; this is a group that’s shown grit and versatility, and Burrage’s addition only bolsters their depth.
For Raducanu, the focus now shifts to recovery and preparation. Her next move remains uncertain, though whispers suggest a possible return at the Madrid Open later in April, followed by the French Open in May. The break is a strategic pause for a player who’s battled injuries since her breakout moment—wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023 sidelined her for months—and who’s determined to reclaim her peak form. Her recent performances, including that electric Miami run, hint at a resurgence, but she’s playing the long game, prioritizing health over haste.
Meanwhile, Burrage and the Great“` Great Britain team are gearing up for battle in The Hague, where every match counts. The tennis faithful are eager to see how this reshuffled lineup will fare, with Burrage stepping into shoes that aren’t easy to fill. Raducanu’s absence is a curveball, but it’s also a chance for another star to shine. As the qualifiers loom, the narrative isn’t just about who’s missing—it’s about who’s ready to seize the moment.