Emma Raducanu's private message helps Katie Boulter win first ever clay match

Katie Boulter has revealed that Emma Raducanu played a key role in helping her get her first tour-level win on clay during Britain's Billie Jean King Cup tie. After Boulter lost the opening match to Diane Parry on Friday, it was a clean sweep for team GB against France as Raducanu and Boulter won the next three in a row.

Britain secured their place in November's BJK Cup Finals with an impressive win against France in their qualifier tie. Playing away from home on an indoor clay court, Raducanu and Boulter led the team to glory marking the first time that the Brits have reached Finals week off their own back, as they previously got in on a wildcard in 2022 as the host nation.

It was a tough start to the weekend when Boulter suffered a 6-2 6-0 beatdown to Parry. Raducanu then found herself a set and break down against world No. 23 Caroline Garcia before she stormed back to win 3-6 6-3 6-2. Both women returned on Saturday, winning both of their matches to give Britain a 3-1 overall victory.

Boulter's win against Clara Burel was her first ever on a clay court at tour level. And she later revealed that a private message from Raducanu gave her a boost. "I actually got a very, very sweet message from Emma last night which really kick-started my day after her incredible performance," the British No. 1 told The Telegraph after Saturday's triumph.

"That was the main thing that got me through today. She said a few nice words which means a lot coming from someone like her. She's such a star and I have a lot of respect for what she's done in the sport and the way that she plays and how relentless she is. I have a lot to learn from her."

Boulter also confessed that she struggled to sleep after her heavy loss to Parry on Friday. She added: "I definitely replayed that match quite a few times last night. I actually just wanted to improve on my performance. The most important thing was that I came out today and I fought, and I just kept fighting. I just played my way."

She did improve, defeating Burel 7-5 6-0 before Raducanu sealed the deal for Britain with a 4-6 6-1 7-6(1) victory against Parry. Afterwards, Raducanu also credited Boulter for helping her play freer by giving the team a 2-1 overall lead earlier in the day.

"It helped so much and I think especially being a set down I was like, Okay my back is up against the wall but I definitely don't want to go into the doubles because they're a very strong doubles team," the 2021 US Open winner said.

"And I think just to be able to close it out and recover and get it done in the final set meant everything to me. I'm super pleased and happy for Katie how she bounced back after yesterday and today is when it really mattered."