Emma Raducanu beats Tereza Martincova on professional clay-court debut in Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers

Emma Raducanu beat Tereza Martincova 7-5 7-5 on her professional clay-court debut in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers. Raducanu won the big points to edge her gutsy opponent and level the scores at 1-1 as Great Britain look to overcome Czech Republic to qualify for November's main draw. Ad/> Harriet Dart had earlier lost 6-1 6-0 to Marketa Vondrousova, but Raducanu drew the nation level in her first match representing GB.

Billie Jean King-Cup'I have no toenails' — Raducanu reveals latest issue ahead of GB bow21 HOURS AGO «This one means so much to me because it is my first match in the Billie Jean King Cup and representing the team in my first match on clay,» said Raducanu. «We're still in this battle and it's all to play for tomorrow. »The team had my back 100% as we had Harriet's back this morning.

It is amazing to be in team event in an individual sport and I'm cherishing the matches this week. «In the beginning of the second set I went a bit flat and everyone in team said the intensity had dropped. It is difficult to regain that but glad I did in the end.» 'I have no toenails' — Raducanu reveals latest issue ahead of GB bow in Billie Jean King Cup Raducanu 'very motivated' for clay season /> Raducanu bounced back brilliantly from a break down in the first set, breaking back on her way to three games in a row.

The second was similarly tight as Martincova broke early again as Raducanu doubled-faulted and sent an easy forehand into the net. The Czech then made it 3-0 with another break, leaving Raducanu on the ropes and looking bereft of confidence at the net with 11 errors inside the opening three games. But Raducanu rallied and forced an immediate break back point, kindly gifted by Martincova with a double fault of