“A truly difficult decision” – Raducanu opens up on Billie Jean King Cup absence

Overview

• Emma Raducanu is currently in action at the ongoing Korea Open.
• Raducanu revealed why she decided to skip representing Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup.
• Her next test comes in the Round of 16 of the Korea Open against Barbora Krejcikova.

Emma Raducanu is currently in action at the ongoing Korea Open, where she began her campaign with a straight-sets win over Romania’s Jacqueline Cristian, 6-3, 6-4, in the Round of 32. Her next test comes in the Round of 16 against Barbora Krejcikova. Krejcikova defeated Tatiana Prozorova 6-1, 6-2 in the Round of 32.

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Ahead of that clash, Raducanu revealed why she decided to skip representing Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup, instead choosing to play in Seoul.

Speaking to the media, as quoted by tennisuptodate, she said: “It was a truly difficult decision. I love the BJK Cup so much, and last year, I gave it my all despite the difficult circumstances (a draw against the British team). However, the Korea Open was a crucial time for me to get in sync with my new coach, Francis.”

"I wanted to prioritise working with him" - Raducanu on coach Francisco Roig

Raducanu has been working with renowned coach Francisco Roig, whom she hired in August 2025. She said that his experience and knowledge made her prioritise match play with him during the Asian swing.

“Even though it was the end of the season, I felt it was more important to work with an experienced coach ahead of the Asian swing. I wanted to prioritise working with him and further developing myself. Having the opportunity to develop with such an experienced coach was the main reason I decided to participate in the Asia Series, starting with this Korea Open,” Raducanu explained.

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Hence, no with Roig in her corner, how well Raducanu performs in the Korea Open, it remains to be seen.