As the Billie Jean King Cup Finals begin in Shenzhen, Team Great Britain arrives with confidence and momentum.
At the helm is Anne Keothavong, now in her eighth year as captain—a role she stepped into with uncertainty and has since made her own through trust, clarity, and a deep understanding of what it means to lead.
"It's not about an individual, it's about the team, and everyone respects that and wants to do well for each other."
—Anne Keothavong, Captain of Team Great Britain
Anne didn’t plan to become captain—but when the opportunity came, she embraced it with resolve.
Encouraged by Judy Murray, she took on the role in 2017, drawing on her own experience of competing under four different captains.
What emerged was a leadership style built on connection.
Open conversations, mutual respect, and emotional intelligence have become her trademarks.
She listens.
She reflects.
And she asks the questions that matter:
"What did we do well? What didn’t we do well? What could we do better?"
Left: Katie Boulter, Middle: Anne Keothavong, Right: Jodie Burrage/Image via Tennis For Britain website
That mindset has carried Team Great Britain through heartbreak and growth.
In 2022 and again in 2024, they reached the semi-finals—only to fall just short.
The sting of last year’s loss in Malaga has since sharpened their focus.
This year, the team returns hungrier than ever to win.
Anne sees it clearly:
"We're fortunate that we have strength and depth...a team who are really excited to compete in the competition and represent their country."
Across the draw, the dynamics have shifted.
With newly joined members across teams—Japan, USA, China, and Great Britain—the Finals are reshaping expectations and opening new possibilities.
Japan, Great Britain’s quarter-final opponent, enters with a seasoned doubles trio and a recalibrated singles lineup.
But Great Britain holds its own—anchored by top national players and a captain who knows how to bring out their best.
Image via BJK Cup website
Meet the Squad
Katie Boulter
Great Britain’s No. 3. Boulter leads the singles effort with aggressive baseline play and a growing reputation for clutch performances.
Sonay Kartal
Great Britain's No. 2. Kartal brings consistency and court craft, earning her spot through grit and results.
Francesca Jones
Great Britain's No. 4. Known for her resilience and tactical adaptability, Jones adds depth and flexibility to the lineup.
Jodie Burrage
Great Britain's No. 5. A versatile player with strong doubles instincts, Burrage rounds out the squad with energy and readiness.
Together, they bring momentum, unity, and a shared ambition to make this year count.
For Team Great Britain, the challenge is real.
But so is the belief.
And that’s precisely what makes this moment worth cheering.
[Cover image via Billie Jean King Cup website]
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