Emma Raducanu marked her 23rd birthday week in style as she made a triumphant return to action at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga. After battling through months of injury setbacks and false starts, the 2021 US Open champion finally stepped back onto the court—and delivered a performance full of promise and determination.
Facing Germany’s Jule Niemeier, Raducanu showcased her trademark grit, firing 10 aces to secure a 6-4, 6-4 victory. Despite a few wobbles—seven double faults and several missed match points—the Brit held her nerve to give Great Britain a 1-0 lead in the tie. Katie Boulter then sealed the deal with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win over Laura Siegemund, booking Team GB’s place in the semifinals against defending champions Canada.
“I think I played some really good tennis today,” Raducanu said afterward. “It’s been a long time since my last match, so there were a few rustiness issues, but I’m proud of how I fought and closed it out.”
Raducanu’s match came after a long day of delays, with weather disruptions and extended matches pushing back Britain’s start time by over an hour. But when she finally stepped onto court, the British crowd erupted—her name drawing the loudest cheers of the night.
Ranked 58 in the world, Raducanu used her higher seeding to full effect against the powerful Niemeier, ranked 92. She struck early, breaking serve at 3-3 and saving five break points in the following game to keep her lead intact. Her serving power, including four aces in one game, proved crucial in taking the opening set.
The second set saw more drama as Raducanu broke early again but briefly lost momentum before regaining control to lead 5-2. After several missed opportunities to seal the win—including a double fault on match point—she finally converted her sixth chance, pumping her fist in delight as her teammates cheered from the sidelines.
The night ended on a celebratory note as the lively band inside the arena played a surprise “Happy Birthday” tune for Raducanu, who turned 22 just days earlier. Smiling and waving to the crowd, the young star soaked in the applause—an uplifting moment that capped off her successful return.
With confidence restored and match rhythm returning, Raducanu now looks to build on this momentum as she and Team GB prepare for their clash with Canada in the next round.
