Billie Jean King Cup Shenzhen Finals: Spotlight on the British Team’s Core Players Pursuing a Breakthrough

Britain has secured the runner-up position four times in Federation Cup history—1967, 1971, 1972, and 1981. The tournament was renamed Billie Jean King Cup in 2020, and this is the team’s third appearance in the finals, after semifinal exits in 2022 and 2024. This year, the British team fought through the qualifiers, bringing together their top players in hopes of achieving a standout performance in Shenzhen.

Raducanu is undoubtedly the biggest star on the British squad. In 2021 at the US Open, she was just 18 when she started from the qualifiers, won ten straight matches without dropping a set, and captured the singles title in fairy-tale fashion, skyrocketing to global fame and reaching a career-high ranking of No.10. Since then, injuries have hindered her progress, and her results have fallen short of expectations. Last year, Raducanu excelled at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, winning all three singles matches and helping Britain reach the semifinals. This season, she has regained her form, making her first WTA1000 quarterfinal in Miami and climbing back into the top 40 in the world rankings.

Bolton is one of the most seasoned members of the British team, with a career-high singles ranking of No.23. She holds three tour titles, the most prestigious being the 2024 WTA500 event in San Diego, with the other two coming from the WTA250 grass tournaments in Nottingham. Bolton has also reached the round of 32 in Grand Slam singles on three occasions.

At 23, Kartal has made significant strides this year, reaching the last 16 at both the WTA1000 Indian Wells and Wimbledon, and breaking into the top 50 in the world rankings for the first time. She claimed her maiden title at the 2024 WTA250 Monastir by defeating Shramkova. Kartal made her Billie Jean King Cup debut in April’s qualifiers, winning two matches and helping Britain advance to the finals.

Burrage achieved her highest singles ranking of No.85 in 2023 and reached the Nottingham final that year, where she lost to fellow Brit Bolton. In doubles, she partnered with Gadecki to win the Cluj-Napoca title in 2023. During the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in April, Burrage stepped up in a crucial match, teaming with Bolton to defeat Dutch doubles specialists Schuurs and Lamens, playing a key role in Britain’s advancement.

Keothavong

Keothavong has served as Britain’s team captain multiple times and brings a wealth of leadership experience. As a player, she reached a career-high singles ranking of No.48. Although she never won a tour-level title, she boasts 20 ITF singles titles and 8 ITF doubles crowns.

The British team has never won the Billie Jean King Cup. Last year, they narrowly missed out in the semifinals. This year, under Keothavong’s leadership, Britain’s core players are gathering in Shenzhen—Raducanu, Bolton, Kartal, and Burrage—ready to compete for the championship.

Billie Jean King Cup Shenzhen Finals Schedule

The participating rosters for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals were submitted by national tennis associations on July 21. Each team is allowed four roster changes up until the day before the event begins, with the final lineup determined based on actual conditions.

According to the schedule, Britain will face Japan on September 18, with matches starting no earlier than 5:00 PM. If victorious, they’ll play the winner between the USA and Kazakhstan on September 20 in the semifinals.

Tickets for the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Shenzhen Finals are now on sale, with all sessions and seat categories available for selection! Fans can purchase tickets through platforms such as “Kangebisai,” “Ticket Planet,” “Love Sports,” and “Damai.” Overseas spectators are advised to buy tickets via “Kangebisai.” Tennis enthusiasts from all over the world are welcome to Shenzhen Bay Sports Center (“Spring Cocoon”) to cheer on their favorite teams!