“Passionate” Emma Raducanu has been backed to thrive while playing for Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals later this month.
World No 58 Raducanu is set to be Britain’s second singles player in the Finals, having played a crucial role in sealing her nation’s spot at the event in Malaga.
Great Britain beat France 3-1 in their qualifier back in April, with the former US Open champion winning her two singles rubbers against Caroline Garcia and Diane Parry.
Raducanu has been sidelined through the end of the season, missing a large chunk of the Asian swing due to a foot injury.
However, the 21-year-old is on track to be fit for action in Malaga, in what would be her final event of the season.
Speaking ahead of Billie Jean King Cup finals action, tournament director and former world No 2 Conchita Martinez admitted she “can’t wait” to see Raducanu in action.
“For any team, you want to have your best players, and Emma, we have seen she can play amazing tennis,” said Martinez.
“She’s one of the best tennis players out there with great results. It’s great that Great Britain can count on her and I think that when she’s played before, she’s passionate for her country.
“I think it’s going to be great. I love that she is coming and I can’t wait to see her play.”
Joining Raducanu in the Britain squad is Katie Boulter, who sits at a career-high ranking of 23rd after a strong end to the season.
Boulter won titles in San Diego and Nottingham in the first half of 2024, before a strong end to the season saw her reach the last four in Tokyo and the final in Hong Kong.
Britain faces Germany in their first round match, with the winner set for a quarter-final against reigning champions Canada.
And Martinez believes that the nation is in contention to potentially lift the title when action begins on November 13th.
She added: “Katie has been playing great tennis in the last two tournaments. I was there in Asia as well and I saw her play. I think she’s also very passionate to play for her country.
“I think they [Great Britain] have very good players and they’re eager to do well, so I think they can do great as well.
“I think it’s going to be an open event. I think we have some great players, but there’s going to be great competition.”