Boulter & Raducanu put GB into BJK Cup quarter-finals

Emma Raducanu made a winning return from injury before Katie Boulter followed with another victory to secure Great Britain’s place in the Billie Jean King Cup quarter-finals.

In the opening match of Britain’s first-round tie against Germany, Raducanu secured a 6-4 6-4 victory – on her sixth match point after an edgy finish – over Jule Niemeier in Malaga.

The 22-year-old was playing her first match in almost two months because of a foot injury, but produced an encouraging display in the 12-nation women’s team event on her latest comeback.

“I feel pretty good physically. Emotionally I felt pretty calm out there. I’m very pleased to have scored that point,” said Raducanu.

“I think this event is a great way to come back, even though there is some pressure to score a point for your team. You’re not just playing for yourself, you’re playing for everyone.”

Fresh from breaking into the top 25, British number one Boulter clinched victory in the best-of-three encounter with a 6-1 6-2 win over 84th-ranked Laura Siegemund later on Friday.

Boulter’s win ensured the nation progressed without needing Olivia Nicholls and Heather Watson to play in a deciding doubles match against German pair Anna-Lena Friedsam and Tatjana Maria.

Britain, who have never won the BJK Cup, will face defending champions Canada in the last eight on Sunday from 16:00 GMT.