Anne Keothavong urges Great Britain to display their top form consistently week after week

Great Britain’s captain Anne Keothavong has called on her team to show their best form on a week-to-week basis after her team’s defeat by France in Coventry in the Billie Jean King Cup. Although world number five Caroline Garcia ultimately emerged victorious, supported by the vastly experienced Alize Cornet, Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart both put in good showings in narrow losses considering their lowly rankings. However, France ultimately secured their place in the finals in November and Great Britain now face a relegation play-off to avoid returning to the regional level. Keothavong praised the efforts of her team and urged them to take the positives from the experience into their next tournaments and the upcoming season. Emma Raducanu, who is currently unavailable as she prepares for the start of the clay season, is hoped to be available for the November finals. Keothavong emphasized that whoever is fit and healthy will be on the team. The tie ended positively for Great Britain, with doubles pair Alicia Barnett and Olivia Nicholls coming from 8-2 down in the deciding tie-break to beat Kristina Mladenovic and Clara Burel 7-5 3-6 (11-9) and secure a consolation point.