Great Britain face Mexico in next month's Billie Jean King Cup play-off tie. The unfortunate withdrawal of British number one, Jo Konta, offers opportunity for our other stars to step-up and deliver the goods.
Heather Watson has been a part of 35 British Billie Jean King Cup squads - an outstanding achievement. Watson is a player that, if not for injuries, would've consistently competed for major titles and been inside the world's top 30. She really is that good. 2020 was a better year for Watson than a majority of other tennis players, as the 28-year-old won her fourth WTA title in Acapulco, playing some stunning tennis along the way. Watson also won the Battle of the Brits Premier League Tennis women's event, held in December. Watson brings an enormous amount of experience, fight and heart to the court - which will be key in this tie.
Harriet Dart is another player that is just built for the big stage. A positive, entertaining game style, coupled with a huge heart and will to win. Dart has enjoyed a busy start to 2021, which will prepare her perfectly for the tie vs Mexico in April. The 24-year-old is improving with experience, overtime will climb inside the world's top 100 and be a fantastic flagbearer for British Tennis.
In 2016, Katie Swan became Great Britain's youngest ever Billie Jean King Cup player. At 16-years-old, Swan won two matches against Israel. The Brit also won two doubles matches in 2019, partnered by Dart, so hopefully that partnership can thrive again next month. After a hugely successful junior career, Swan has suffered with a number of injuries over the last couple of years, however at the tender age of 22, the talented Brit will be hoping to perform on the court and quickly climb the rankings.
Jodie Burrage will make her debut for Great Britain after a fine run of form over the past 18 months. The 21-year-old possesses an aggressive style, with the serve and forehand being major weapons. Burrage won an ITF event in Dubai earlier this month, while undoubtedly playing the best tennis of her pro career. The 21-year-old is developing a very strong all-round game, this opportunity is richly deserved and I've no doubt that she will continue to impress British Tennis fans.
Katie Boulter made her debut at this event back in 2018 and has an impressive record, winning seven out of eight matches across singles and doubles. Boulter played out some epic battles against Burrage in last years British summer events, with both players displaying their powerful ground-strokes and ability to fire winners from any angle. The 24-year-old suffered a long injury lay-off with a back stress fracture in 2019, thankfully she looks back to her best now and ready to produce that stunning tennis she is certainly capable of.
So, that's your five strong team that will take on Mexico next month. Anne Keothavong had some difficult decisions to make with Francesca Jones, Emma Raducanu, Naiktha Bains and many more waiting in the wings for their chance to represent Great Britain. That depth and healthy competition is great for the future of British Women's Tennis.
I feel this Great Britain squad has a perfect blend of youth and experience. Watson and Boulter have won on the big stage, proven their quality and are huge assets to this team. While, the youth and skill of Dart, Swan and Burrage creates for an exciting squad that will give it their all next month. The five will be led by the great, Anne Keothavong.
It would be great to catch up with Anne or any of the playing squad before they face Mexico next month, so if any of you are reading this, please get in touch via Twitter and we can arrange an interview for my Youtube channel, that would be great.
I've been lucky enough to interview a lot of British Tennis players in the last couple of years (follow the link to listen) and the admiration I have for them is off the charts. More than often, players have picked up a racket at a very early age, envisaged a dream of competing at Wimbledon and chased it ever since. The dedication, sacrifices, time, work and quality it takes to reach the top end of tennis, is immense. British Tennis players are inspiring, on and off the court. With the drive, determination and skills these people have, I've no doubt the future of British Tennis is bright.
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