Emma Raducanu ‘cherishing’ Billie Jean King Cup after first-ever win on clay

Emma Raducanu says she is “cherishing the memories” of playing at the Billie Jean King Cup after winning her match against Tereza Martincova in straight sets. 

Raducanu is the highest-ranked player in the Great Britain team and has assumed the role of leader, with no Johanna Konta or Heather Watson in the squad. 

And playing in her first-ever professional match on clay, the Brit triumphed 7-5 7-5 to level the tie at 1-1, heading into tomorrow’s remaining three matches. 

Raducanu’s win was crucial in the circumstances after Harriet Dart was thrashed 1-6 0-6 by Marketa Vondrousova. 

On Saturday, there are three more scheduled matches, including two singles ties and a doubles match. 

First up, Raducanu will be in action versus Vondrousova. Then, Dart will play Martincova. 

If the scores are still level after these two matches, Katie Swan and Sonay Kartal will play Marie Bouzkova and Linda Fruhvirtova. 

“We’re still in this battle and it’s all to play for tomorrow,” Raducanu said. 

“The team had my back 100% as we had Harriet’s back this morning. It is amazing to be in a team event in an individual sport and I’m cherishing the matches this week.” 

First pro clay court match, no problem