From WTA obscurity to international contention, the British women’s team proves how far it has come.

The resurgence of British women’s tennis reached another milestone this past weekend as Great Britain secured a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals for the second consecutive year. After defeating Germany and the Netherlands in The Hague, the team’s success marks a stark contrast to the sport’s bleak era in the early 2000s — when no British woman cracked the top 100 and the national team languished in the Fed Cup’s zonal groups.

Back then, while global women’s tennis flourished — driven by icons like Serena and Venus Williams, Martina Hingis, and Lindsay Davenport — the UK struggled to produce contenders. Wildcards at Wimbledon were often the only glimpse of British players on the main stage, and the rich legacy of grand slam champions such as Virginia Wade and Sue Barker seemed a distant memory.

Fast-forward two decades, and the landscape has shifted. Led by captain Anne Keothavong, who alongside the late Elena Baltacha began the slow climb out of mediocrity, Great Britain now boasts a squad with unprecedented depth. For the first time in nearly 40 years, three British women sit inside the WTA top 60: Katie Boulter (No. 40), Emma Raducanu (No. 47), and Sonay Kartal (No. 59).

While these rankings may not yet rival the elite stables of nations like the United States or Czech Republic, the progress is significant. “Becoming a top-100 player in the world is no small feat,” Keothavong said. “It’s a reflection of years of hard work and perseverance.”

Boulter has emerged as a standout, rebounding from injuries to develop into a force on tour. Her aggressive style and leadership have anchored the team, including a crucial doubles win alongside Jodie Burrage to seal victory against the Netherlands. Notably, the win came just hours after Boulter suffered a singles loss — a testament to her resilience and team-first mentality.

Kartal, who stepped in as No. 2 singles player in Raducanu’s absence, delivered two composed victories. At just 5ft 4in, the 23-year-old may not tower over her opponents, but she compensates with athleticism, consistency, and a powerful topspin forehand that has helped her break into the top tier of the sport.

The strength in depth extends beyond the top 60. Harriet Dart (No. 110), a former top-100 regular, and Burrage, who is making her way back from wrist and ankle injuries, remain key contributors. Francesca Jones, ranked No. 134, continues to defy the odds. Born with ectrodactyly ectodermal dysplasia (EED), a rare genetic condition that affects limb development, Jones has persevered through challenges that would deter most athletes.

The camaraderie among the squad has become a defining strength. Boulter and Burrage, close friends off the court, shared laughter and smiles in their post-match interviews — a reflection of the team’s unity. Much of the group trains together at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre, building bonds in a sport often defined by solitude.

This collective spirit is paying off. British women are not only making their mark individually, but also lifting each other toward the top of the game. And after years when the very idea of British women thriving on the world stage seemed far-fetched, their presence now feels not just deserved — but overdue.