Billie Jean King Cup LIVE: Great Britain lose doubles decider against Slovakia in semi-final
Surprise package Slovakia ended Great Britain’s hopes of a first Billie Jean King Cup final since 1981
Great Britain were knocked out of the Billie Jean King Cup at the semi-final stage by a resilient Slovakia who came from a point down to triumph in Malaga and set up a clash with Italy in the final.
Britain stuck with the gameplan that brought them success in the week with Emma Raducanu leading off against Viktoria Hruncakova. The British No. 2 was in fabulous form and won an early break on her way to a 6-4 6-4 straight set victory.
In the second singles match Katie Boulter looked to be sending Britain to their first BJK Cup final since 1981 when she took the opening set against Rebecca Sramkova but there was a twist to come. Sramkova overturned the set deficit and stormed to a well fought 6-2 4-6 4-6 victory leaving the tie in the balance.
A deciding doubles match saw Heather Watson and Olivia Nicholls take to the court for the first time this week but they were outclassed by the Slovakian duo of Hrancakova and Tereza Mihalikova who took a 6-2 6-2 win to advance to the next stage.
Relive the latest updates with our live blog below:
Katie Boulter v Rebecca Sramkova
Katie Boulter will face Rebecca Sramkova in the second match of this semi-final. Sramkova took on the Brit in Rome earlier this year and defeated her so there is history between these two.
Boulter has the safety net after Emma Raducanu’s win but she’ll want to send GB into the final.
‘Raducanu’s immaculate week continues'
BBC commentator Sue Thearle said: “Emma Raducanu’s immaculate week continues. She hasn’t dropped a set and she has delivered another priceless victory.
“She gives Great Britain real momentum at the start of this semi-final. What performance and what a win to get Anne Keothavong’s team going in this.”
Emma Raducanu triumphs over Viktoria Hruncakova
Emma Raducanu triumphs over Viktoria Hruncakova
A straight set victory for Emma Raducanu puts Great Britain in control of this semi-final and now it’s over to Katie Boulter to see this out and take them to the final for the first time since 1981.
She’s on court next.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-4 Viktoria Hruncakova - Game, set and match!
Raducanu opens up with a serve down the T that Hruncakova gets back. The Brit goes into the net and gives up the first point. 0-15.
The next point is won by Raducanu though as she wraps her wrist around a forehand return that flies across court. 15-15.
Hruncakova then misses out on a return of serve to put Raducanu into the lead before an error takes the Brit within one point of the win. 40-15.
Raducanu serves out to the forehand and aces! That’s game, set and match.
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-4 Viktoria Hruncakova
Hruncakova holds serve. Raducanu needs to win this game to take the match. Can she do it?
Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-3 Viktoria Hruncakova*
There’s still a couple of chances for Raducanu to get the job done. She can either break Hruncakova here or else has another service game to win.
The Slovakian is going to force Raducanu to serve out. Hruncakova is upping her level again and falling back on power hitting to win the points.
She moves 30-0 up before a forehand finds the net giving Raducanu a foothold and a point.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-3 Viktoria Hruncakova* - Break!
Hruncakova goes after the serve and takes the first two points off Raducanu. It was at this point in the first set that the Slovakian began to play her best tennis.
She’s doing so again with a backhand down the line that takes her to 0-40. She’s got three break points now.
Raducanu saves the first one. An ace saves the second one. Hruncakova powers a backhand across court and takes the break!
*Emma Raducanu 6-4 5-2 Viktoria Hruncakova - Break!
A double fault from Hruncakova gifts Raducanu two break points but the Slovakian fizzes down an ace to save the first one. Raducanu secures the break though as her opponent goes too long!
Raducanu will serve for the match.
Emma Raducanu 6-4 4-2 Viktoria Hruncakova*
Oh wow! Raducanu takes the first point of the next game and is then forced onto the defensive. She sprints from side to side before unleashing on a cross court forehand that lands right in the corner.
Hruncakova takes the next point but still trails 15-30.
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