Katie Boulter to lead Great Britain team at Billie Jean King Cup finals

Katie Boulter will lead the British team at the Billie Jean Cup Finals in Shenzhen, China.

Emma Raducanu, who has struggled with injury and illness throughout the year, has not been named in the squad.

British number two Boulter replaces Katie Swan in a team that is otherwise unchanged from their qualifying win against Australia, in Harriet Dart, Mika Stojsavljevic and Jodie Burrage.

Britain begin their campaign against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, 22 September.

In April, 17-year-old Stojsavljevic starred with a singles win over world number 56 Talia Gibson as Britain upset the home side in Melbourne to qualify for their fourth finals in five years.

“I’m pleased to select Katie Boulter, who knows what it’s like to step up on occasions like this, and the three women who played with so much heart and courage to upset Australia earlier this year,” said Great Britain captain Anne Keothavong.

“Czechia will be a very challenging first match for us but the players and I believe in our chances, since we have a very strong record in recent finals.”

Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova and runner-up Karolina Muchova are in the team for 11-time winners Czechia, who Britain face in the quarter-finals.

World number two Elena Rybakina will lead Kazakhstan, who play Spain, while Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen leads hosts China as they challenge defending champions Italy, featuring Olympic doubles gold pair Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani.

Ukraine and Belgium complete the last-eight line-up, with all ties at the finals to be decided in a best-of-three format of two singles and one doubles.