Emma Raducanu has thanked her fans and Great Britain team-mates after her electric victory over Slovakia’s Viktoria Hruncakova on Tuesday in the Billie Jean King Cup semi-final.
Her 6-4 6-4 win has put Great Britain on the edge of reaching the final for the first time since 1981.
The British No. 2 has not dropped a set in her three matches at the women’s team event, winning all three contests.
However, Katie Boulter’s loss to Slovakian No. 1 Rebecca Sramkova later on the same day has plunged Great Britain into a deciding doubles match.
Emma Raducanu was full of joy after claiming victory
Reuters
Nevertheless, Raducanu was courtside to show her support to Boulter alongside the fans in Malaga, who she thanked for their own support.
She said: “It’s amazing to have this support. Today I felt like I needed it and the team is going to need it.
“I really appreciate so much support from everyone on the GB side.
“I’m going to get everything done as soon as possible so I can come back here and support, and give everything like I just did on the court on the bench.
“I wish Katie well, she’s playing amazing and I can’t wait to come out and support her as well.”
Britain have never won the Billie Jean King Cup, which used to be known as the Fed Cup.
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Raducanu has proved Britain’s diamond this year, having returned from injury in time for the competition.
She had missed the previous two months of action because of a foot problem but she looked in top form against Hruncakova, who is ranked 241st in the world.
After claiming victory following a crosscourt forehand, Raducanu leaped into the air for joy and high-fived every member of her team.
Emma Raducanu beat Slova 6-4 6-4kia’s Viktoria Hruncakova
Reuters
“Every match is extremely challenging and as the tournament progresses it’s more and more,” the 2021 US Open winner added.
“It was a really tough battle because my opponent has a huge ball-strike and she plays much above her ranking.
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Emma Raducanu’s victory was not enough as Katie Boulter went on to lose her contest
Reuters
“On these courts, it really suits her. But I was really pleased with how I composed myself and served it out in both sets.
“Both sides of hers come with extreme power and if you give her time to either side, she can really hit it.
“The tactic was to try to keep her moving and not let her get the first strike in. I did that well with my serving and starting the point and I’m really happy to come through that.”