GREAT Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong visited pupils at Meadow Park School in Coventry ahead of Team GB’s qualifier against France in the city next month.
Keothavong’s side play neighbours France at the Coventry Building Society Arena’s indoor venue on April 14 and 15.
And Keothavong rallied with Meadow Park School youngsters in the sports hall as she encouraged the pupils and provided useful tips.
The former British number one has named Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, Katie Boulter, Alicia Barnett and Olivia Nicholls in her team with Emma Raducanu unavailable.
Keothavong said: “I trust that we’ll have the home support in Coventry, it’s a fantastic opportunity for lots of people to come out and support the team, to experience live tennis is something special.
“The atmosphere will be totally different to your average tennis tournament, I hope to see lots of British flags out there and loud support for our team.
“France is going to be a tough challenge, they’ve got a great team, they’ve won the competition in the past but we haven’t played them for over 40 years.
“Anything is possible in team events, the home support should help carry us.”
Britain reached the semi-finals in last year’s competition where they were beaten by Australia whilst opponents France are three-time winners.
The two nations have faced each other three times previously in the competition as France won 2-1 back in 1975 whilst Britain triumphed in each of the last two meetings in 1976 and 1981.
Tickets start from £5 and can be purchased at: eticketing.co.uk/cbsarena
Play starts at 2pm on Friday, April 14 with two singles matches with play to begin at midday on Saturday, April 15 with two reverse singles and a doubles match.
