Off-court camaraderie and a unified team culture are key to Britain’s success as they target their first Billie Jean King Cup final since 1981.
The Great Britain team arrived at their press conference in Málaga with plenty of laughter already filling the air. Heather Watson and Olivia Nicholls were entertaining the group with their best Australian accents, while Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, and Harriet Dart shared in the jokes. Amidst the light-hearted moments, talk turned to tennis, but there was also discussion of birthday banners, chocolate cakes, and the strong sense of unity that had brought the team closer together.
As Britain prepares to face Slovakia in their second Billie Jean King Cup semi-final in three years, it’s clear that their impressive run is not only a reflection of the world-class skills of players like Boulter and Raducanu, but also the deep sense of camaraderie within the team. “We have our individual practices, but when we come together, it’s really special,” said Raducanu. “We’re always laughing, reflecting on the day, and sharing inside jokes. It really helps keep us motivated.”
This unique team chemistry, where players who are often rivals on the WTA tour find common ground, is the result of deliberate efforts by team captain Anne Keothavong. Keothavong, who captained Britain to this stage of the competition, has used her own experiences as a player to build a supportive, cohesive environment for the team. Her time as part of Britain’s top duo with Elena Baltacha—who tragically passed away from cancer in 2014—taught her valuable lessons about both rivalry and friendship.
“I had ups and downs with Elena during our careers,” Keothavong reflects. “But in the end, we became very close. Looking back, we both regretted the unnecessary tension and anger we had toward each other, but we were able to sort things out before she passed. It was a valuable lesson that I’ve carried into my role as captain.”
Since taking over the captaincy in 2017, Keothavong has fostered a team dynamic based on mutual respect, support, and a healthy sense of humour. Her leadership style has been both authoritative and approachable, striking the right balance between demanding high standards and creating an environment where players feel comfortable and encouraged. “It’s wonderful to see the top players genuinely getting along and respecting each other,” Keothavong said. “I’ve always felt it’s important for the girls to bond, as the experience of working together in such a positive atmosphere makes all the difference.”
As Britain looks to secure a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup final for the first time since 1981, their unity off the court is proving just as critical as their performance on it. The team’s shared moments of fun and friendship have undoubtedly played a key role in their success, making their pursuit of victory not just a matter of skill, but also one of togetherness.
