Harriet Dart's defeat ends UK hopes of reaching Billie Jean King Cup final

Harriet Dart lost to Caroline Garcia 6-1, 6-7, 6-1. Photo: PA/Bradley Collyer

Harriet Dart sat dejected with a towel covering her face after her loss to Caroline Garcia ended any hopes of a Brit resurrection in the Billie Jean King Cup.

Image of Dart with head in hand summed up the effort the British team did their best to push France in this qualifier but they didn't end up getting the award as they lost 3-0 with two players.

As and her teammate Cathy Boulter on Friday, Dart scored several points against world No. 5 Garcia to take her to the deciding set, but the loss ended all Britain's hopes of reaching the tournament final in November.

Starting 2-0 on Saturday, only a 26-year-old Dart win in debut rubber could keep Britain in it. But a win over defending WTA Finals champion Garcia proved too much of a hurdle for Dart and left 2,000 spectators with essentially one exhibition rubber, with teams opting not to play in the fourth singles event.

While Friday's move was decided by five tie-breaks and a «violent» sports lead, as GB Captain Ann Keothavong put it, Saturday's bout started with a whine. Dart, who had not won a tour-level main draw match since the United Cup in January, was quickly put in place by Garcia, who took 28 minutes to take the first set 6-1.

After that, the energy of her racket was sucked out, and it took Garcia 27 minutes to take the third set and this qualifying match with a score of 6-1, 6-7, 6-1.

The only consolation was the British doubles. Olivia Nicholls and Alicia Barnett beat Kristina Mladenovic and Clara Burel 7-5, 3-6, 11-9 in dead rubber to make the final score 3-1.

“I am proud of the players. They did their best against opponents with much higher ratings, and they had a chance,” Keothavong said. “It’s not easy to give up the first set. [Darth] raised her game in this tiebreak, she managed to keep her composure better than Garcia. But if you let your level drop against such an experienced professional, it will be a tough battle.”

Great Britain lost this stage of the competition last season but managed to reach the final because the Lawn Tennis Association entered the as host and reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1981. This time they will need to make it through the play-offs to stay out of the regional first group Europe and Africa.

< p>We hope UK No. 1 Emma Radukanou will start her clay court season next week in Stuttgart, will be able to play in November.

“I would like to think if she will continue to play in good shape and health. I don't see any reason why she won't be part of the team in November,» Keothavong said of Radukan.

«But that's still a few months away. And it's not just about Emma, ​​it's about the other players as well. Whoever is the freshest and healthiest will be in the team.”