Billie Jean King Cup 2026: Katie Swan joins Lexus GB team for Qualifier against Australia

Swan will join the team after British No.2 Sonay Kartal was forced to withdraw due to a back injury sustained at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells.

She joins Harriet Dart, Jodie Burrage and debutant Mika Stojsavljevic in the British team set to challenge Australia for a spot in September’s Finals.

Swan has received the call up off the back of a resurgent year on the ITF Tour. Just over a year ago, the 27-year-old had dropped out the world rankings after sustaining an injury that led her to consider retirement. However, Swan's decision to make her tour comeback proved to be the right one and the British star has picked up some impressive results.

She lifted up her first title since 2022 at the W15 event in San Diego before going on to win three more titles in Don Benito, Wagga Wagga and Brisbane. Four titles and a lot of hard work later and Swan is now ranked back inside the world’s top 300 and ready to challenge the Aussies in the upcoming tie.

The British No.7 was also selected to represent Great Britain and the United Cup back in January where she pushed former world No.1 Naomi Osaka, eventually falling short in a 7-6(4), 6-1 defeat.

Swan is no stranger to the Billie Jean King Cup. In 2016, she became the youngest player to represent Great Britain in the tournament when she made her debut at 16-years-old against South Africa. 

She has since gone on to represent her country in six ties and has notched four wins on the board. 

Kartal will now continue her recovery ahead of a busy clay court season. Commenting on her withdrawal from the team, she posted on Instagram: “I had a feeling something wasn’t right with my back when I arrived in Miami and after having some scans it’s clear that I’m going to need a little more time to let it heal.

"Sadly it means I won’t be joining the girls in Australia but wishing them the best of luck for the tie.

"Gutted to be sidelined but already looking forward to being back out there soon, so thanks for all the messages and I’ll see you on the clay."

Great Britain will take on Australia at the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers between Friday 11 April and Saturday 12 April.