Emma Raducanu, Iga Swiatek withdraw from squads for Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers - 'Needs a little space'
Updated 03/04/2025 at 07:54 GMT+1
Emma Raducanu earned plenty of plaudits for her run to the quarter-finals at the Miami Open. But she will play no part in the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, withdrawing from Great Britain's squad to prioritise her fitness after a gruelling schedule so far this year. Iga Swiatek, meanwhile, withdrew from Poland's squad as she seeks "balance" in her 2025 schedule.
Emma Raducanu
Image credit: Getty Images
Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Great Britain squad for the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in the Netherlands.
The 22-year-old's representatives said she needed to "look after her body" after requiring medical attention during her Miami Open quarter-final defeat to Jessica Pegula.
Raducanu has had a busy start to the season, appearing at seven tournaments so far in 2025.
"She needs a little space in the calendar to best look after her body," her representatives said.
Great Britain captain Anne Keothavong, who will now be tasked with finding a replacement, commented on the news.
"I recognise this has been a difficult decision for Emma," she said. "Of course you always miss a player of her quality on the team.
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"We've seen what she can do in the past representing her country, but I have the utmost belief in the players who are travelling next week and will confirm a fifth player in due course."
It remains to be seen when Raducanu will return to action. She climbed into the top 50 of the world rankings for the first time since August 2022 after her performance at the Miami Open.
The next Grand Slam on the calendar is the French Open, which starts on May 25 - with live coverage on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Harriet Dart and Olivia Nicholls are the other players in the squad for next week's qualifiers.
Great Britain begin their Group F campaign against Germany on Friday, April 11, before facing the Netherlands on April 12.
The winner of the group will qualify for the finals later this year.
Swiatek targets 'balance' after BJK Cup withdrawal
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek also confirmed she will be absent for Poland's Billie Jean King Cup clashes in April.
Swiatek, who was knocked out of the Miami Open at the quarter-final stage by wild card Alexandra Eala last week, said in a statement posted on social media she is taking time to focus "on myself and my training".
"I always represent my country with pride. I played everything there was to play for the country last year," Swiatek said. "Now it's time for more balance, focusing on myself and my training."
Swiatek was given extra security in Miami after being targeted by a male spectator at a practice session, who allegedly shouted insults at the five-time Grand Slam champion.
Poland face Group E rivals Switzerland on April 10 and Ukraine the following day.
Watch and stream the 2025 French Open from Roland-Garros on TNT Sports and discovery+
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