Great Britain have fallen short in their bid to reach Billie Jean King Cup for the first time since 1981, as Slovakia came from behind to beat them and set up a final clash against Italy.

Great Britain crashed out of the Billie Jean King Cup to Slovakia after blowing a golden chance to reach the final for the first time since 1981. Emma Raducanu continued her hot streak on the Costa del Sol as she outclassed Slovakia’s world No.241 Viktoria Hruncakova 6-4 6-4 to win her third consecutive match here without dropping a set.

Heather Watson and Olivia Nicholls have not been needed yet as Britain’s doubles pair but are playing a key role in creating a fun team environment, while warm-up games of Spikeball – where players have to bounce a ball off a small trampoline – have also fostered high spirits.

Live coverage from the prestigious women’s tennis team competition in Malaga, where Great Britain face Slovakia. We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Strictly necessary cookies are on by default.

Great Britain were knocked out of the Billie Jean King Cup at the semi-final stage by a resilient Slovakia who came from a point down to triumph in Malaga and set up a clash with Italy in the final.

Emma Raducanu made a triumphant return to action to put Great Britain within touching distance of the Billie Jean King Cup quarter-finals. The 22-year-old looked sharp on her comeback from her latest injury setback as she saw off the challenge of Germany's Jule Niemeier and gave Britain a 1-0 lead in the tie at Malaga's Palacios de Deportes.

Slovakia has rallied to defeat Britain 2-1 and reach its first Billie Jean King Cup final in more than two decades

Outsiders Slovakia reached the Billie Jean King Cup final as doubles pairing Tereza Mihalikova and Viktoria Hruncakova completed a comeback victory in Malaga on Tuesday.