Billie Jean King Cup 2024: Emma Raducanu puts Great Britain in front against Canada in Malaga

While reigning champions Canada rank second in the world, there is no reason for Britain to have an inferiority complex.

Raducanu and Boulter have a higher ranking than their singles opponents, although the presence of Gaby Dabrowski – the doubles world number three and recent WTA Finals champion – means a deciding doubles is not where Britain would relish going.

Therefore, it felt imperative that Raducanu opened the tie with a win and gave an opportunity to Boulter to seal the deal against 31st-ranked Fernandez.

Canada’s team selection was not clearcut and their captain Heidi El Tabakh decided to go with the experience of Marino over the potential of teenager Marina Stakusic.

Marino plays the bulk of her tennis on the second-tier WTA Challenger Tour but is fresh from lifting a 125k title in the United States.

The decision ultimately backfired.

Marino, struggling to land her formidable first serve, came under pressure straight away as a confident Raducanu dominated with her returning game.

That success was reinforced by comfortable holds with a newly tweaked serve which has added power.

After converting her third break point in the opening game, Raducanu went on to take two of the five more she created in a one-sided first set lasting just 28 minutes.

When Marino slumped into her chair before the second set, you wondered how much longer the match would last.

However, she deserves credit for rediscovering her game in the second set and valiantly dragging Raducanu into a battle.

Raducanu saved seven break points across the fourth and eight games, finding first serves when she needed them in the most perilous moments, then striking clinically to secure another encouraging victory.