Blisters blight the progress of Emma as Czechs prevail

BRITAIN’S expected battering by the Czech Republic never materialised, and nor did a rare injury-free event for Emma Raducanu.

The GB No 1 was subdued yesterday, this time by foot blisters, as Anne Keothavong’s team fell to a respectable 3-2 defeat on clay in this play-off to make November’s finals of the Billie Jean King Cup.

That it went down to a deciding doubles match was a closer outcome than might have been predicted, although a downside was the US Open champion’s lack of physical durability being exposed once again.

Having played excellently to win her singles on Friday, the Kent teenager was hobbled in losing 6-1, 6-1 to Marketa Vondrousova, who gave her something of a schooling in the art of clay-court tennis.

The unaccustomed type of movement required on clay brought on the blisters for Raducanu.

She had spoken of losing her toenails but it later emerged that blisters were already a concern before the start.

So limited are the playing resources in the British women’s game that she was sent out there anyway. It was always likely to be a lost cause against such a high-class exponent as Vondrousova, the 2019 French Open finalist.

While Raducanu is under immense pressure as she tries to live up to her sudden triumph in New York, understandably enough, it is notable that defeats are often accompanied by some physical setback or other.

‘I have had a few blisters on my feet before for sure but I think it’s related to numerous things,’ she said.

‘So I’m just going to go and evaluate all my options in all sorts of feet scenarios. Because this has happened quite a few times now and we need to nip it in the bud.’

She added that the blister made her feel ‘redundant’ on court. ‘It kind of showed up after yesterday’s match,’ she added.