‘We’re in it to win it’ – Boulter & Raducanu put GB into BJK Cup semis

Before a ball was hit on the Costa del Sol, Keothavong was not afraid to talk up her team’s chances of upsetting the odds and lifting the trophy on Wednesday.

While Keothavong’s team reached the semi-finals on home turf in Glasgow in 2022, there is a different level of belief given the firepower Britain possess.

Raducanu and Boulter will be favourites to win their singles matches in the semi-final, but Slovakia are not to be underestimated after reaching the last four for the second time since being crowned champions in 2002.

The United States, albeit shorn of their leading stars Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, were their first victims before Australia were brushed aside on Sunday.

Viktoria Hruncakova, ranked 241st in the world, won 7-5 6-7 6-3 against Kimberly Birrell before 43rd-ranked Rebecca Sramkova crushed Ajla Tomljanovic 6-1 6-2.

If Britain beat Slovakia, their final opponents will be Poland or Italy – showing why they were among most people’s pre-tournament favourites.

That is where Britain will face players of greater repute.

Poland have the tournament’s biggest threat in five-time major champion Iga Swiatek, while Italy are led by world number four Jasmine Paolini, with both having also provided winning contributions in the doubles.

“I definitely wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe we could win the tournament,” said Boulter.

“We’ve always got a great chance. We’re going to keep believing, keep trusting it, and keep enjoying it.

“I don’t think there is any pressure. We’re just enjoying ourselves.”