BJK Cup: Britain is “real shot” in victory despite Emma Raducanu’s absence, Captain Anne Keothavong says

Captain Anne Keothavong said her team had a “real shot” in winning the Billie Jean King Cup despite Emma Raducanu’s absence.

Britain’s No. 1 Raducanu has withdrawn from the final of this week so she can compete at the South Korean Open in Seoul.

Raducanu felt a redundant week on the WTA tour with new coach Francisco Roig on the WTA Tour.

Francesca Jones replaced her in Keothavong’s team, who will line up with Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal and Jodie Burrage, while Britain faces Japan on Thursday.

Boulter – Britain’s No. 1 singles player in Raducanu’s absence – said the team “would like” Raducanu is with them in China.

“I think she is a huge asset to the team, but in the end we still have to focus on the team we have, the people who are ready here and ready for the competition,” Boulter told Shenzhen.

“We can’t look back too much, we have to stay [looking] forward. We qualify for our own bats – I think we are in a very strong position.

“It’s great to have the same girl I used to have, and it’s great to get some insight from Fran.”

Japan also did not have the first place after Naomi Osaka ran for the US Open semi-finals.

“I think we have a real shot [winning] it. ” Captain Keothavong said.

“We are the second seed here, reaching the semifinals twice in the last few years and approaching further.”