EMMA RADUCANU had a “very memorable” 22nd birthday today – despite being confined to a hotel due to severe storms in Spain.
The start of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals was delayed on Wednesday because of flooding on the Costa del Sol.
Schools and businesses shut down and public transport was suspended.
No training sessions were allowed for any of the 12 nations at the Palacio de Deportes venue in Malaga.
It means the Great Britain squad – who face Germany tomorrow in the first round – could not leave the hotel for safety reasons.
British tennis star Heather Watson joked that “we were non-stop partying!”
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In reality, what they really did was engage in some team-bonding yoga sessions and Raducanu was presented with a chocolate cake over dinner.
Raducanu, the former US Open champion, laughed: “I’m really grateful that my team made a really big effort to make me feel really special.
“There were birthday banners, cake, balloons. It was really nice, considering the weather.
“We couldn’t really go out or do anything but it’s just how it goes.
“Even though those were the conditions, I still had a great time. It was very memorable.
“I really felt a lot of love from my friends back home. I got a lot of nice messages, which was really sweet.”
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British No1 Katie Boulter promised that Britain will “put their hearts on the line” this weekend as they attempt to end 61 years of hurt.
GB female tennis stars have never won the Billie Jean King Cup – established in 1963 and formerly known as the Fed Cup – and have been beaten finalists on FOUR occasions.
Speaking at an Age UK Walking Tennis session, Boulter, 28, said: “I wholeheartedly believe we can win the Billie Jean King Cup.
“We’ve got such a good team, great strength in depth, and there’s a good camaraderie between us all.
“We’re growing into this event. I mean we’ve been through the struggles. We don’t forget how far we’ve come.
“I appreciate being in the Finals and having a go at the trophy. I don’t take that for granted. We’re all going to really enjoy ourselves this week.
“It doesn’t get any better than this. I know every girl will put their heart on the line regardless of the situation.”
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