Dumsha Wijesinghe JadeTimes Staff
W.G.S.D.Wijesinghe is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports News
British tennis captain Anne Keothavong believes this could be the year her team claims their first Billie Jean King Cup title. Building on their semi final finish in Glasgow last year, the team comprised of Katie Boulter, Emma Raducanu, Heather Watson, Olivia Nicholls, and Harriet Dart enters the quarter finals against defending champions Canada with renewed confidence.
Boulter, ranked in the world's top 25, and Raducanu, a former US Open champion, are pivotal to Britain’s hopes. Both secured vital singles wins in their tie against Germany, avoiding the need for doubles deciders. Against Canada, however, they will face formidable opponents, including Leylah Fernandez, a strong performer in the competition, and doubles specialist Gabriela Dabrowski.
Keothavong highlights the team's depth, resilience under pressure, and ability to capitalize on their strengths in singles as key to advancing. If successful against Canada, Britain would face either Australia or Slovakia in the semi finals, with a potential final showdown against Poland, led by world number two Iga Swiatek, or Italy, featuring world number four Jasmine Paolini.
While challenges remain, there is growing belief within the team and among fans that this could be a historic moment for British tennis.
