Following a 2-0 defeat against the United States in the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals, Captain Anne Keothavong commented that her Great Britain squad “gave their all but ultimately fell short,” prolonging their aspiration for a first-ever championship.
To keep Britain’s hopes alive in the competition, Katie Boulter was tasked with defeating world number seven, Jessica Pegula, subsequent to Sonay Kartal’s valiant effort but loss against Emma Navarro in the initial singles match.
However, despite Boulter securing the first set, Pegula rallied to clinch a 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory in Shenzhen, ensuring a 31st final berth for Lindsay Davenport’s team.
Boulter and Kartal, who succumbed to a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 defeat against Navarro – a player ranked over 60 places higher – were left lamenting squandered opportunities during the closely contested matches.
Both competitors failed to convert numerous break points in the second and third sets – Boulter succeeded in only two out of seven attempts – and surrendered service games on either side of breaks, reinstating pressure upon themselves.
“Today has been incredibly challenging,” Keothavong expressed. “The players should maintain their pride. I believe we truly challenged the American team.”
“You could perceive the profound significance it held for the players. They invested every effort but did not quite succeed.”
“It was not meant to be on this occasion.”
The US, the most decorated team in the tournament’s history with 18 titles, is set to confront defending champions Italy in the final on Sunday.
Great Britain has suffered semi-final losses on three occasions in the last four years, with their most recent final appearance dating back to 1981.
“We have advanced significantly,” Keothavong added. “We have demonstrated consistency in recent years, posing a challenge to the very best.”
“Our objective is to eventually lift that trophy. To achieve that, one must overcome some of the best competitors.”
