LONDON (AP) — Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu have pulled out of next week’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers for their respective teams.
Poland is hosting Switzerland and Ukraine in the round-robin qualifier but Swiatek, who is ranked No. 2, said Wednesday she made the “difficult decision” to skip it.
“I always represent my country with pride. I played everything there was to play for the country last year,” Swiatek said in a statement. “Now it’s time for more balance, focusing on myself and my training.”
Swiatek lost to wild card Alexandra Eala in the Miami Open quarterfinals last week. The five-time Grand Slam champion had also been given extra security protection at the tournament after being verbally attacked during a practice session by a man who had sent her harassing messages via social media.
Read More: Iga Swiatek given extra security protection at Miami Open after verbal attack
Also Wednesday, Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association announced that Raducanu has withdrawn. Britain plays Germany and the Netherlands in The Hague.
“I recognise this has been a difficult decision for Emma,” said Team GB captain Anne Keothavong. “Of course you always miss a player of her quality on the team, we’ve seen what she can do in the past representing her country, but I have the utmost belief in the players who are travelling next week and will confirm a fifth player in due course.”
