CAN 0-2 GBR: Brilliant Boulter continues British magic
17/11/2024 18:07
Katie Boulter continued where Emma Raducanu left off, securing the second point of the tie and a ticket to a semi-final match-up with Slovakia on Tuesday
By Molly McElwee
Great Britain ousted reigning champions Canada to reach the semi-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup, and said they are firmly "in it to win it".
It is the second time in three years that Britain have made the last four in this competition and they did it in style with a 2-0 scoreline thanks once again to wins from Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter.
It set up a tantalising opportunity to reach the final for the first time in 43 years, with Slovakia the team now standing in their way.
Raducanu scored an emphatic victory in the opening match against Rebecca Marino, before Boulter sealed the tie with another convincing straight sets victory, this time over Leylah Fernandez – snapping the Canadian’s eight-match winning streak in the competition.
It was another stamp of authority from the Brits and captain Anne Keothavong said they remain full of belief they can go all the way.
“It's far from overconfident, just kind of acknowledging what's there,” Keothavong said. “Also, myself and all the other staff members, doing our best to instil the belief that the players, this team, can do this. Obviously we're not looking too far ahead, but it's about the overall package. We're in it to win it.
“I’ve got every bit of faith and belief in the players. This competition means a lot to all of us, they have shown what they are capable of. I have said this before. Not just in an event like this but outside of the team events. They are quality tennis players. They just need to go out there, really trust themselves and believe.”
The opener began with complete dominance from Raducanu to take the first set 6-0 in less than half an hour. She hit eight forehand winners and took every single point on her first serve and even 86 per cent on Rebecca Marino’s return.
But Marino upped her level and solved her serving issues in the second set, and Raducanu had to dig deep. She fended off all seven break points she faced and took the decisive break late in the set to win 6-0 7-5.
"I think it's always difficult actually when you win a set so, in a way, comfortably by the scoreline, because you think, okay, something might go wrong here, there is no way I'm going to cruise through the entire match," Raducanu said. "So I was expecting it, especially with a player like Rebecca, who is a big server, big ball striker. Fair play to her in the second set. I'm really, really proud of how I fended off those seven break points."
Boulter then faced Canadian No. 1 Fernandez, who has built a formidable record in the Billie Jean King Cup, winning all eight matches she played in 2023 to lead her side to the trophy. But on Sunday night Boulter proved too tough and showed yet again how comfortable she feels in the indoor conditions in Malaga.
Fernandez was not at her best, and seemed to struggle with her ball toss, double faulting nine times.
Even so, she kept fighting. Boulter was under immense pressure on her own serve, especially at 3-0 up in the second set. She faced four break points but still won the game, saving herself with a couple of clutch winners down the line to keep two breaks ahead.
When serving for the match though at 5-2, the nerves began to show. Boulter played a loose game and Fernandez took the opportunity to claw back the deficit. Then the Canadian saved match point in the next game and the momentum was swinging her way. Boulter had one more chance to serve it out and put a stop to Fernandez's late surge.
Though the British No 1 got slightly tight - even double faulting on her second match point - she delivered a blistering serve at the fourth opportunity to finally close it out 6-2 6-4.
“I know how tough she is to beat, I know what a fighter she is,” Boulter said of Fernandez. “She makes it so hard to close matches out, but honestly, I feel like the last few matches that I played in Hong Kong, there are a couple there where I had to continue being the frontrunner, and that's really helped me.
"I know it's Billie Jean King Cup, you're playing for a little bit more, but I feel like she's a fighter and you've just got to keep going, keep believing, back yourself no matter what, not give her anything, and not show her that you're a little bit nervous. I think that's what I was at the end. But I just kept going for my shots and trusted them and managed to get it done the second time.”
On Britain’s chances going forward, Boulter added, “I definitely wouldn't be here if I didn't believe we could win the tournament. I think we have got a great team. We've always got a great chance. We're going to be in with the last four.
"I think every single day anything can happen. We're just going to keep believing, keep trusting it, and just keep enjoying it. It's worked so well for us so far.”
