British Tennis Forum - Celebrating 20 Years!

the addict · Tennis legend

RE: Week 38 - 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals, Sjenzhen, China

9vicman · Futures level

In a social post announcing Emma (and Jack's) announcing her participation in the United Cup, she said: "Being able to play for Team GB with my team-mates is a unique opportunity and week to enjoy." It was a little tone deaf.

-- Edited by 9vicman on Thursday 22nd of January 2026 08:06:04 AM

JonH · Tennis legend

I personally believe that the BJK and Davis Cups should have ranking points awarded. How many and what structure, I dont have a view on, but winning big matches in pressure situations deserves to be recognised plus it may encourage some players to choose to play them.

9vicman · Futures level

The ATP previously charged the ITF for a very ungenerous number of ranking points under the old Davis Cup World Group. Very few players earned decent points. It's interesting that ranking points aren't included in the current agreement with the ATP.

I think the ATP's argument is that Davis Cup isn't selected on merit (unlike United Cup where nations have to pick their No. 1 player if they want to play). But agree that points should be awarded for such an important event.

But even with the agreement, the ATP aren't really supporting Davis Cup, and there is an ATP event (Montepellier) up against the Qualifiers.

In the case of the WTA, it's a case of open warfare against the ITF after they were angry that the BJKC Finals were moved to September without their agreement. They have put a WTA 500 (Linz) event up against the Qualifiers for the first time in addition to the two events against the Finals.

It's a real shame. Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup do more to promote tennis than the majority of regular tour events, and should be valued.

JonH · Tennis legend

9vicman wrote:
The ATP previously charged the ITF for a very ungenerous number of ranking points under the old Davis Cup World Group. Very few players earned decent points. It's interesting that ranking points aren't included in the current agreement with the ATP.

I think the ATP's argument is that Davis Cup isn't selected on merit (unlike United Cup where nations have to pick their No. 1 player if they want to play). But agree that points should be awarded for such an important event.

But even with the agreement, the ATP aren't really supporting Davis Cup, and there is an ATP event (Montepellier) up against the Qualifiers.

In the case of the WTA, it's a case of open warfare against the ITF after they were angry that the BJKC Finals were moved to September without their agreement. They have put a WTA 500 (Linz) event up against the Qualifiers for the first time in addition to the two events against the Finals.

It's a real shame. Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup do more to promote tennis than the majority of regular tour events, and should be valued.

Totally agree - even if we dont agree with the current format (and you are right, people do like to complain whatever the format) they are still one of big events in tennis, Id argue on a par with 1000 events if not sitting in between 1000 and slams- at least historically.

whatever, they should be valued in terms of prestige and player points even if the format still needs adjusting.

the addict · Tennis legend

JonH wrote:
GB has been drawn to play away versus Australia in the BJK Cup Qualifiers

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/cr4k3k9e9q0o

These are in April - be interesting to see who is keen to play in that and who isnt - it will be in April, early in the European clay season

The GB team has been announced today. Sonay, Harriet, Jodie and Mika.

seagull · Tennis legend

Cant really blame the likes of Emma and Katie not wanting to go all that way for this. Fair play to Sonay though

indiana · Tennis legend

seagull wrote:
Cant really blame the likes of Emma and Katie not wanting to go all that way for this. Fair play to Sonay though

Especially with currently a bad back! Take care, Sonay.

RJH1962 · Strong Club Player

A little surprised that Katie has declined. No surprise that Emma has. Have to assume that Jodie will play some matches before the tie!!!!

-- Edited by RJH1962 on Thursday 12th of March 2026 07:34:15 PM

the addict · Tennis legend

RJH1962 wrote:
A little surprised that Katie has declined. No surprise that Emma has. Have to assume that Jodie will play some matches before the tie!!!!

Jodie's SR doesn't kick in until 30 March, so she won't have much time.

Barefoot · Intermediate Club Player

Katie should really be focusing on ranking after the last few solid weeks, so fair enough. She always plays otherwise. Im a little surprised that Sonay is going!!

indiana · Tennis legend

Barefoot wrote:
Katie should really be focusing on ranking after the last few solid weeks, so fair enough. She always plays otherwise. Im a little surprised that Sonay is going!!

I get the impression that Katie's on a real mission this year with the new coach to really push to be all she can be in the rankings.

emmsie69 · Masters Series Champion

Katie Swan and Harriet both in China week of March 30th. If Katie comes through that, I wouldn't be surprised to see her added.

GAMEOVER · Satellite level

With players not being available and recent injuries to players chosen for the match against Australia would the recently returned Heather Watson be available?

the addict · Tennis legend

The Australian team was announced as Maya Joint, Talia Gibson, Kimberley Birrell, Storm Hunter and Ellen Perez. A strong team ......

Heather is playing this week and looking good. I'd be surprised if she isn't available if asked.