Exclusive interview
Team spirit, home support and memories of an historic 2022 Finals – Harriet Dart & Katie Boulter preview Billie Jean King Cup Qualifying tie
It was less than five months ago that Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup squad were celebrating at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, having defeated Spain 3-0 to make their first semi-final since 1981.
An achievement wrapped up in a united team spirit, unbelievable performances and an incredible the atmosphere from the adoring crowd has left the squad hungry for more success.
Now in 2023, the Brits face a new challenge and on paper, one of their toughest to date, in the form of qualifying tie against 2019 champions, France. But with the same squad heading to Coventry and confidence at an all-time high, British stars Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart are ready to seize their chance.
We want to get closer and closer to the title and I think we can do it.
“Billie Jean King Cup last year was epic,” Boulter exclaimed with a huge smile across her face.
“We had the most incredible team, all of us were so supportive of each other – it was such a special moment for all of us. Everyone played unbelievably well, I was so proud of each and every one of them and I feel like we deserved it as a team.
“I think it’s something that we’ll all remember – playing in Glasgow, reaching our first semi-final in a very long time and I think it made us all hungry for more. We want to get closer and closer to the title and I think we can do it."
Dart was one of the stars of the show in Glasgow back in November – producing some of her best tennis to upset world No.13 Paula Badosa and then to give Great Britain the lead in the semi-final against Australia with a victory over Ajla Tomljanovic. Back to lead the team as the top ranked singles player in the squad, Dart will be keen to step up for the Brits against tough opposition in Coventry.
“It was the most amazing atmosphere to be able to play on home soil and to be with the girls – we’re really excited to be back together,” said Dart.
“We have a great relationship all of us and we support each other through the year, so we’re excited to spend the week together.
“Last year we were for sure the underdogs and I think we proved, not only to ourselves but to everyone else, that we can compete with anyone.
“Of course, France have a really strong team but we’re all really good players, playing well and I think we have a really good chance.
“The home crowd gives you an advantage for sure. I think we all thrive in that environment, and I hope there’s going to be a big crowd in Coventry.”
This tie against France will be extra special for Leicestershire-native Boulter, who grew up just a few miles down the road from the Coventry Building Society Arena.
“I’m so excited (to be playing close to home),” she said. “I have my whole family coming which will be amazing, especially my Grandpa as he doesn’t normally get to come to tournaments, it’s usually only Nottingham and Wimbledon that he makes it to. It’s going to be pretty special and nice to have everyone there so close to home.”
Away from the Billie Jean King Cup, there was other GB-related news last week with the Davis Cup draw being announced – throwing up a particularly exciting tie for Boulter and her Australian tennis star boyfriend, Alex de Minaur.
“It’s actually funny, when I heard the options of where all the teams could go, I was at home with my boyfriend, and he was saying that GB was a possibility and I literally called it,” she said.
“Of course, I’m super excited because it means he’s coming here, but I don’t know who I’m going to support! I’ll support my boyfriend but I’m definitely supporting Great Britain to win.”