A NEW Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup champion will be crowned this week after reigning titleholders Canada were knocked out of the event overnight. Great Britain proved too strong for the North Americans, cruising to a 2-0 result to rubber stamp its entry into the final four and the chance to reach the deciding match.

For the second successive time in the tournament, Great Britain did not need to go to a deciding doubles rubber with both Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter saluting in straight sets. First Raducanu bagelled Rebecca Marino in the opening set before a tougher second set resulted in a 6-0 7-5 victory, then Katie Boulter finished off the job against Leylah Fernandez 6-2 6-4 in an hour and 41 minutes.

US Open winner Raducanu only dropped two points on serve in the opening set, winning all 10 first serve points and smashing seven winners to six unforced errors, while the 103rd ranked Marino hit six winners to 16 unforced errors. While the second set was closer, Marino could not convert any of the seven break point chances in the set, while Raducanu snatch her fourth break to secure the match.

“I think it’s always difficult actually when you win a set so, in a way, comfortably by the scoreline, because you think, okay, something might go wrong here, there is no way I’m going to cruise through the entire match,” Raducanu said. “I was expecting it, especially with a player like Rebecca, who is a big server, big ball striker. Fair play to her in the second set. I’m really, really proud of how I fended off those seven break points.”

The player Raducanu beat in the Flushing Meadows final in Fernandez had to best an in-form Boulter to keep the defending champions hopes of back-to-back titles alive. Unfortunately for the world number 31, she was unable to overcome the 24th ranked Boulter, who won 6-2 6-4.

The last game took an eternally long time to finish off as Fernandez desperately tried to break back and stay in the contest. Alas it was not to be for the Canadians, who bowed out as the Brits moved through to the semi-finals to take on Slovakia.

Great Britain captain Anne Keothavong said both she and her players had the faith they could go all the way in the tournament.

“It’s far from overconfident, just kind of acknowledging what’s there,” Keothavong said. “Also, myself and all the other staff members, doing our best to instill the belief that the players, this team, can do this. Obviously we’re not looking too far ahead, but it’s about the overall package. We’re in it to win it.

“I’ve got every bit of faith and belief in the players. This competition means a lot to all of us, they have shown what they are capable of. I have said this before. Not just in an event like this but outside of the team events. They are quality tennis players. They just need to go out there, really trust themselves and believe.”