Great Britain has secured a place in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, thanks to an impressive performance by Katie Boulter and Jodie Burrage in the decisive doubles match. With the tie against the Netherlands tied at 1-1, British captain Anne Keothavong made a bold decision to opt for two singles players, rather than the usual doubles specialists, to team up for the crucial doubles rubber. The move proved to be a masterstroke, as Boulter and Burrage, ranked outside the top 250 in doubles, dominated the Dutch pair of Suzan Lamens and Demi Schuurs with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 win.
The victory came after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Germany on Friday, and it secured Great Britain’s qualification for the BJK Cup Finals, a prestigious eight-team knockout tournament set to take place in Shenzhen, China, after the US Open in September.
Keothavong praised her players for executing the game plan to perfection, noting that although she had considered this tactical option before, it was up to Boulter and Burrage to deliver. “They went out there and did the job,” Keothavong said. The pair’s performance was marked by aggressive play, particularly from the baseline, and a rock-solid serving game that proved too much for the Dutch team.
Sonay Kartal had earlier put Great Britain ahead with a determined singles victory over Eva Vedder. Kartal’s 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 win over the Dutch player not only gave the team a 1-0 lead but also highlighted her continued rise in the tennis world. The 23-year-old, currently ranked No 60, has been one of the standout performers for Great Britain in recent months, following a career-best year that saw her break into the top 100. Her win over Vedder was another important step forward in her development as a player.
The stage was then set for a showdown between the No 1 singles players. Boulter, who has made noticeable improvements on clay, faced Lamens, ranked No 70. Despite the surface not being ideal for her power game, Boulter managed to outplay Lamens, winning 6-4, 6-3. Boulter’s victory was a crucial point for Great Britain, but it was the doubles rubber that proved to be the decisive factor in the tie.
With Harriet Dart and Olivia Nicholls having struggled in earlier doubles matches, Keothavong took a calculated risk by pairing Boulter and Burrage, both of whom had minimal experience playing together. Their bond off the court seemed to translate seamlessly onto the court, with both players exhibiting great trust and chemistry in their aggressive approach.
Boulter spoke about their connection, emphasizing the trust they had in each other’s games. “I completely trust her game,” she said of Burrage. Their understanding and synergy were evident as they took control from the outset, overpowering their opponents with powerful shot-making and precise net play. The pair’s dominance on the court led them to an emphatic victory, clinching Great Britain’s spot in the BJK Cup Finals.
Keothavong was confident in her decision to trust Boulter and Burrage, acknowledging that while doubles experience is important, sometimes raw talent and compatibility can produce excellent results. “You’ve got to take your chances,” Keothavong remarked, reflecting on the risk that ultimately paid off for Great Britain.
