The well-heeled residents of Baron’s Court, west London, had never heard anything like it. A cacophony of cheering and foot-stamping emanated from Queen’s Club as Emma Raducanu strove to land her first title since the 2021 US Open.
The crowd here is normally the quietest on the circuit. But on Sunday the fans gave full-throated support to Raducanu – and even banged their feet rhythmically on the stands – as she duelled her way through a riveting, 80-minute second set with Croatia’s Donna Vekic.
Sadly for anyone looking for omens for Wednesday’s World Cup clash in Dallas, it was Vekic who came through a stern examination, fending off a set point to seal a 6-0, 7-6 victory on her fifth match point.
When Raducanu spoke to reporters after the match, however, she sounded hugely cheered by the crowd’s reaction. The Briton attracts so many brickbats throughout the rest of the year, most of them from faceless twerps on social media, that it must be reassuring to walk on court and hear the fans get behind you.
“I was in awe of the atmosphere and in awe of the support I received all week,” Raducanu said. “I couldn’t really believe it. Even though I know I’m playing at home, it just trumps anything that you ever really think of.
“For that, I’m really grateful, and I just see how many people are behind me and rooting for me. It means a lot, because the results don’t always go your way the whole season. You see things written about you or spoken about you, but when you play at home, you’re just reminded how much support there is actually for you.”
Admittedly, the rousing Raducanu chorus did not really get going – like the woman herself – until the second set. Some of this came down to a sluggish start, especially on serve, but we should also credit her 29-year-old opponent. During those first few games, Vekic was sharper than a New Zealand sauvignon blanc.
The opening set disappeared in just 28 minutes. During this period, we wondered to what extent Raducanu, 23, was struggling with her body, especially after she had slipped and fallen during Saturday’s quarter-final against Kamilla Rakhimova. But while the trainer did come on after the fifth game, all she seemed to do was remove the strapping on Raducanu’s left thigh.
Asked whether fatigue had been a factor in her slow start, especially after being required to play two matches the previous day, Raducanu replied: “I think part of it. I think Donna also didn’t allow me to really play my game.
“She came out serving very well, and striking from the back really well. In the first service game, I didn’t really make a first serve, so that was straight away a break.
“But yeah, of course [there is] fatigue, and you’re not driving up as much for your serve, which is such a big thing on grass. It’s just been an amazing week, but it’s also been a long week, waiting around [during several weather delays] and some long days.”
The crowd finally made their voices heard when Raducanu held for 1-1 in the second set, and she then went on a run of games that took her to 5-2 before Vekic recovered from a slight dip in form. Raducanu was flowing elegantly around the court in this period, but despite her staunch defensive coverage, her ball never had quite the sting that Vekic’s did.
This proved to be crucial when Vekic rediscovered her forehand in the final few games, eventually sneaking the second-set tie-break by an 8-6 margin with the help of three winners that landed on the line.
Vekic and Raducanu: made in London
These two players actually have a fair bit in common – even beyond the fact that the new set of WTA rankings will show them standing side by side at No 31 and No 32 respectively.
Although Vekic was born in Croatia, both women learnt their tennis in a suburb of London: Raducanu at Bromley Tennis Centre and Vekic at the Virgin Active Riverside Club in Northwood.
They also both recently rehired a coach from their teenage years. For Raducanu, that man is Andrew Richardson, while Vekic has reunited with David Felgate – formerly Tim Henman’s coach during his glory days – during these few weeks on the grass.
“We worked together when I was 12 years old,” said Vekic of Felgate. “He raised me as a player. He took me to Wimbledon for the first time. Like I said on court, I wouldn’t even know what grass is without him.”
While a delighted Vekic celebrated the biggest title of her career with a glass of Pimm’s, Raducanu looked understandably frustrated after a match that she came close to turning around.
The pendulum seemed to be swinging in her favour when she held that set point at 5-4, and found herself at the net after driving a short ball towards the Vekic backhand.
But Vekic, who started and finished this match in magnificent form, conjured up a perfectly judged lob which curled tantalisingly over Raducanu’s extended racket and dropped a foot inside the baseline.
Raducanu’s reasons to be cheerful
Despite the disappointment of the eventual result, we should not ignore the positives. As Raducanu matched Vekic stroke for stroke down the home straight, it was easy to forget that she had arrived at this event without a victory in 95 days.
So for her to beat two top-20 players – a level of opponent she had not overcome since March last year – and give herself a shot at a title should still provide a significant boost.
“I haven’t really played much this season,” said Raducanu, “but to think I have made two finals so far, which I haven’t done in years, it has to be celebrated. It’s a good achievement for me and I’m proud of it. Right now it obviously really stings, so I’m just going to let myself feel it today but try and get over it pretty quick.”
She has also left herself in a strong position to claim a Wimbledon seeding as one of the 32 highest-ranked players. While some of the placings could change after next week’s events – which she hinted she would probably sit out – Raducanu has an insurance clause. There are two players ranked above her who cannot play because of injury, as well as a third – surprise French Open finalist Maja Chwalinska – who would need a wild card.
Overall, it has been a week to blot out some of the bleaker memories of a bumpy season to date. And also a week to underline the value of Richardson, who has now sat at courtside for five events – the first three in the summer of 2021 – and seen Raducanu reach the final in three of them.
“I think I’m playing pretty freely, pretty aggressively, but finding the right balance,” Raducanu said. “Returning and serving pretty well. It’s important on grass.
“It’s just nice to have the team that I do. I mean, I actually felt bad, because there were so many things in my head and people to thank. I think I forgot to mention them out there in the trophy presentation.
“But they have helped me through some really sticky situations in the past few months, and it honestly means the world to me for them to believe in me unconditionally. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Goodbye!
Link copied to clipboard
Thank you for tuning in for our coverage of the Queen’s women’s final. After a blistering start, lucky loser Donna Vekic stormed to a 6-0 first set inside 30 minutes. Hitting 13 winners, compared with Emma Raducanu’s four, and winning all three break points she was presented with, the Croatian looked unstoppable.
With the help of her box and the British crowd, Raducanu fought back in the second set, going a double break up and setting herself up with set points. The Briton was unable to convert however, despite serving for the set twice and lost her momentum to go from 5-2 up to 5-6 down. She held on for a tiebreak, which was as nail-biting as the rest of the second set
Both players left everything on the court, pushing each other to every corner of the Andy Murray Arena. After they changed ends at 6-6, however, there was nothing Raducanu could do as Vekic set up two mammoth points to take the title.
Both players will be back in action at the Nottingham Open and Wimbledon, and we will be back for more live text soon!
Plenty of grass to go
Link copied to clipboard
An incredible Cinderella story of lucky loser to champion is only the start of the 2026 grass court season.
The Nottingham Open starts tomorrow (Monday), where most of the British hopes are set to feature. Queen’s semi-finalist Katie Boulter is due to play fellow Briton Harriet Dart in the first round, while Francesca Jones will meet Australia’s Talia Gibson.
Emma Raducanu has also entered the tournament, drawn against Karolina Pliskova, who was beaten by Donna Vekic in the quarter-finals in London. This would be a brutal schedule for any player, let alone one who played two games on Saturday before leaving everything out on the court in a final on Sunday.
Thanks to their performance at Queen’s, both Raducanu and Vekic will jump in the world rankings, putting them in contention for seeding at Wimbledon. As it stands, Raducanu has jumped from 42 to 31, while Vekic has gone from 76 to 32. This may change after Nottingham.
‘See you in two weeks’: Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
It took the new champion a few moments to gather her thoughts, but she was full of praise for her opponent: “Wow. First of all congrats Emma on such a great week, you’re such an incredible player and I wish you and your team all the best for the remainder of the grass season.”
“This really is my favourite time of the year, my favourite surface and I really made the most of it this week],” she added. “I’ll see you guys in two weeks, thanks for all your support.”
She continued: “[I’ve been dreaming of this for] the last couple of years, for sure. [After the first set] I was thinking, I won 6-0 that’s kind of a curse in tennis, but [Raducanu] really stepped up, she played some amazing tennis, just try to stay with her, make her serve it out, try to play every single ball. To be honest, her last service game and the tiebreak is still a bit of a blur.”
‘The support has been incredible’: Raducanu
Link copied to clipboard
Speaking as she was received her runner-up award, Raducanu thanked the public that had cheered her on throughout the tournament.
“It’s been an incredible week for me making the final here, playing in my home city, in my home tournament where I feel the best,” she began. “The support I’ve received all week has been incredible so I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone, today especially it was a really tough match.
“Donna played extremely well from start to finish so thanks for getting me through again,” she added.
“Of course I would like to congratulate Donna, what a week for you from qualifying all the way to the title,” she laughed. “You played really well, so all the best.”
VEKIC TAKES THE CROWN! Raducanu 0-6 6-7 (6-8) Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
Vekic finds the line again with yet another backhand winner that catches the tramline. Fifth match point.
After another mammoth exchange of shots along the baseline, Vekic finally gets her moment as Raducanu bends low to reach a forehand but sends it wide.
The world No 76 and lucky loser has won the Queen’s title. She drops to the floor with a smile on her face before going to shake hands at the net, and go over to her box to hug her team.
Raducanu 0-6 6-6 Vekic (Tiebreak)
Link copied to clipboard
Every point on a knife edge, and Raducanu finds more joy at the net. 3-4
She gets a lucky as Vekic serves her second double fault of the final, bringing the scores level to 4-4.
The Briton whips a forehand long to go 4-5 down, but draws level again after a mammoth point that has Vekic running back and forth along the baseline. The Croatian runs out of steam and sends her forehand into the net, 5-5.
Vekic builds an excellent point, burying her shots deep into the corners to keep Raducanu under pressure. The Briton reaches for a return but it drifts wide, 5-6.
Fourth time of asking and Vekic still cannot take the match point, sending another unforced error into the net with the court wide open, 6-6.
They change ends again.
Raducanu 0-6 6-6 Vekic (Tiebreak)
Link copied to clipboard
Vekic makes a statement of intent with a huge ace to start the tie break, 0-1.
Raducanu levels but Vekic makes an incredible reach to catch the line with a forehand to take the advantage, 1-2.
Both players are breathing heavily, pushing each other to every end of the court. Vekic is showing no signs of slowing down though, and holds her serve to go up 1-4.
Raducanu goes into the change of ends with a wide ace, keeping Vekic within touching distance, 2-4.
*Raducanu 0-6 6-6 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
There is a lot of encouragement coming from Raducanu’s box as she tries to dig deep. An error into the net brings up 15-15, and her team are telling her to “be brave”.
An excellent return of serve from Vekic and a long forehand have now brought up two match points for the Croatian.
Staring down the barrel though, Raducanu steps into court and whips a forehand cross court, bringing up 30-40. A brave second serve on match point is rewarded by the error from Vekic for deuce.
Raducanu comes into the net but the volley is again to soft and Vekic is able to chase it down and whip it past her at the net. Another match point. But with nerves of steel Raducanu whips a forehand to the corner and brings it back to deuce.
The Briton manages to force a tiebreak after two exhausting exchanges. The mental toll on both players, who have had set points and match points come and go, must be huge.
Raducanu 0-6 5-6 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
All the way through this match, the points have been on Vekic’s racket. Her forehand went on the blink in the middle of the second set but it’s back firing and Raducanu has an uphill task to make to the tie-break.
Raducanu 0-6 5-6 Vekic*
Link copied to clipboard
Vekic gets new balls for her service game, which will suit her very nicely. She has won three games on the trot and denied Raducanu the second set.
Suddenly the tide has turned and with a confident hold to 15, Vekic takes the lead in the second set with a forehand that finds the backhand corner.
Now Raducanu is serving to stay in the second set.
*Raducanu 0-6 5-5 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
Incredible hustle and the crowd are on their feet.
Both players are pushing each other to every corner of the court, but Raducanu pulls a delicate forehand slice and whips Vekic’s return past the stranded Croatian.
The British No 1 brings up set point at 40-30, but again catches the top of the next, giving Vekic a high bounce which the Croatian duly buries.
At deuce, Raducanu whips a forehand cross court to set up another set point. She is not clinical enough at the net however when her chance comes and Vekic sends a lob over her head.
Vekic takes the advantage with her own cross court forehand, and Raducanu sends a slice wide to level the second set. She will be very frustrated she did not take the set when she had the chance.
Raducanu 0-6 5-4 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
The Vekic forehand was back with bang in those last two games. Raducanu has twice been two points from the set, but now has a tricky service game ahead of her if she wants to force the decider.
Raducanu 0-6 5-4 Vekic*
Link copied to clipboard
An unforced error again perhaps a sign of nerves for Vekic as another forehand goes long.
The Croatian gets herself back into the game at 30-30, finding her attack into the forehand corner which is offsetting her errors into the net.
Vekic holds from 0-30 down, with a big serve down the middle, before finding the corner with a forehand winner down the line.
Raducanu has one more chance to serve for the set.
*Raducanu 0-6 5-3 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
It is not done yet though. A series of errors from Raducanu puts her 0-40 down, facing three break points.
She handles the first with a big serve out wide. The second is dealt with courtesy of a backhand winner and the third is a gift from Vekic, who buries her serve return in the net.
Vekic gets first advantage, hitting hard and flat and sending a forehand winner into the corner.
She takes the game at the fourth time of asking, as Raducanu sends a forehand long over the baseline. Vekic will now serve to stay in the second set.
Raducanu 0-6 5-2 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
By my count, Vekic has gone from 10 winners and four unforced in set one to six winners and ten unforced in set two. A major shift in performance levels. Raducanu has harried her into several of those errors with her solidity from the back of the court, with the forehand looking in excellent fettle today.
Raducanu 0-6 5-2 Vekic*
Link copied to clipboard
An excellent point at 15-15, as both players are striking balls deep and making each other move. Raducanu comes up trumps as Vekic hits a forehand wide – the kind of shot she was burying consistently in the first set.
Raducanu puts herself in position for another break, and takes it first time of asking as Vekic makes another forehand error, sending her shot long.
The Briton is now one game away from levelling the match.
*Raducanu 0-6 4-2 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
Raducanu races to 40-0 with the crowd behind her, but gets slightly caught off guard by a very deep forehand for 40-15.
Chasing down a forehand that tagged the tramline, she sends a slice forehand back and Vekic is unlucky with the top of the net, putting Raducanu 4-2 up in the set.
Raducanu 0-6 3-2 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
A considerable margin in this match in terms of the two serves: Vekic has been winning 83 per cent of her first serves, and also landing more of them, while Raducanu’s much more vanilla delivery gives her only a 60 per cent win rate.
Raducanu 0-6 3-2 Vekic*
Link copied to clipboard
A few more errors creeping into Vekic’s game here, but she comes up with a huge serve out wide to steady the ship at 40-15.
Another ace seals the hold and keeps Raducanu within reach in the second set.
*Raducanu 0-6 3-1 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
The crowd are doing some very heavy lifting when it comes to the momentum on Andy Murray Arena.
As Raducanu seals another hold the British public are louder than they have been all afternoon.
“Let’s do it Emma” and “Come on Emma” are the lines coming from her coaching box.
Raducanu 0-6 2-1 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
“Say something, you’re not saying anything!” was Raducanu’s line to her support box, just before that game. Vekic was unlikely to stay in the zone for the full two sets, and she gave enough time and space there for a brief reversal of fortunes.
Raducanu 0-6 2-1 Vekic*
Link copied to clipboard
This is a big service game to see how Vekic maintains control in this match.
A sign of a wobble as Raducanu goes 0-30 up, as she gets lucky with a bounce off the net and Vekic fires a forehand out wide.
Raducanu creates two break point opportunities but takes the break from deuce, another error from Vekic suggesting she may be losing her cool somewhat.
Raducanu* 0-6 1-1 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
A big first serve is greeted with huge applause from the crowd as Raducanu displays some aggression.
Another rare error from Vekic puts Raducanu 30-0 up, before the Croatian sends another forehand long to put her opponent on the verge of a first game in the final.
As Raducanu comes towards the net, Vekic makes her third error of the game. The Briton is on the scoreboard at last.
Raducanu 0-6 0-1 Vekic*
Link copied to clipboard
Thanks to the break of serve at the end of that set, Vekic starts serving again. She won 92% of her first-serve points, compared to Raducanu’s 50%.
She races to 30-0, making Raducanu run along the baseline until she finds space to bury a backhand winner down the line.
She continues mixing up her shots, with a dropshot sealing the next point. A rare error gets Raducanu on the board, but it is merely a consolation point as she comes to the net on the next point and buries yet another forehand winner.
She is burying Raducanu, that’s seven games in a row.
Raducanu* 0-6 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
Roars from the crowd as Raducanu puts away a volley at the net to put herself on the scoreboard.
She can only follow it up with a double fault though, and after both players exchange baseline shots in the next rally, Vekic seals 15-30 with a stylish dropshot.
Raducanu levels on 30-30 after an error from Vekic, and after some discussion with her box, decides her toss is too low.
She was so focused on the serve though that she finds the net again.
Vekic does not waste any time on set point, and after a mammoth rally, the Croatian hits yet another backhand winner to seal the opening set in just 29 minutes.
Raducanu 0-5 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
Raducanu has called the trainer over, but it is only to take the strapping off her thigh before her next service game
Raducanu 0-5 Vekic*
Link copied to clipboard
Both players are having some trouble with first serves, but Vekic double faults to put Raducanu 15-30 up.
Raducanu finds some joy with her slice backhand, the lower ball testing Vekic, but the Croatian is coming up with all the answers. She has been clinical.
After a battle at deuce, Vekic holds on and puts herself very much in the driving seat of this first set.
Raducanu* 0-4 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
Two errors from Raducanu put her 0-30 down, before two errors from Vekic bring the game back level.
Raducanu is really trying to take her time between points to find some rhythm of her own, but she double faults to give Vekic another break point opportunity.
A huge, wide return of serve pushes Raducanu out wide before another Vekic forehand seals the double break.
Shouts of “come on Emma” are echoing around Andy Murray Arena.
Vekic ready to beat her second Briton at Queen’s
Link copied to clipboard
Devastating start from Donna Vekic who looks like she is determined to spoil the British party at Queen’s. Having already taken out one home hope on Saturday – in Katie Boulter – she has now won 12 of the first 15 points here, with five clean winners and just a single unforced error.
Raducanu 0-3 Vekic*
Link copied to clipboard
A huge second serve from Vekic keeps Raducanu under pressure, and absolutely silences the crowd.
Yet another forehand tags the baseline and before the British No 1 has time to react, she’s already 30-0 down.
A volley at the net is what seals the third game in a row for Vekic and Raducanu has not had any time to settle into her game.
Raducanu* 0-2 Vekic
Link copied to clipboard
A second serve gives Vekic some space to take control of the first rally of Raducanu’s service game, before the Briton sends a forehand long.
A huge return on another second serve allows Vekic to hit a forehand winner to put pressure on Raducanu at 0-30.
Though Raducanu plays a clever drop shot to bring up 15-30, Vekic hits another forehand winner to bring up two break points.
A long rally sees Raducanu’s shot clip the net and bounce high for Vekic to put away another clinical forehand, giving her the early break.
First Set: Emma Raducanu 0-1 Donna Vekic* (*denotes server)
Link copied to clipboard
Vekic won the toss and chose to serve first. She raced to a quick 30-0 as Raducanu struggled to return serve.
Another good serve brought up 40-0 but Raducanu hit a clean forehand winner to get herself on the scoreboard at 40-15.
A fourth strong serve down the centre sealed the opening service game for the Croatian in a tidy fashion.
Struggling for form
Link copied to clipboard
Both players have struggled for form recently, with Vekic reaching a career best ranking of 17 in January 2025. She has had problems with illness, like Raducanu, and coming into Queen’s she had fallen down to world No 76.
Raducanu has withdrawn from several tournaments since her US Open triumph due to illness and injury, entering Queen’s as world No 42.
Players coming onto the court
Link copied to clipboard
Both players are making their way on to the Andy Murray Arena to huge applause. Raducanu still has some strapping on her left thigh but is smiling as she makes her way on to court.
Some warm-up on court and then we’ll be underway!
Road to the final...
Link copied to clipboard
Here’s what the path looked like for both players:
- First round: Anna Blinkova 6-0, 6-3
- Second round: Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 6-2
- QF: Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 7-5
- SF: Iva Jovic 6-2, 6-2
Donna Vekic
Vekic lost to Raducanu’s first-round opponent, Anna Blinkova, in qualifying but was awarded a place in the main draw when Belinda Bencic withdrew with an injury.
- First round: Mika Stojsavljevic 6-2, 6-3
- Second round: Marie Bouzkova 7-6 (11-9), 6-3
- QF: Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
- SF: Katie Boulter 6-1, 6-3
Can Raducanu take the title at Queen’s?
Link copied to clipboard
It’s a big day for British tennis as Emma Raducanu features in her biggest final since she stormed to US Open victory five years ago.
In the first leg of this week’s double header between England and Croatia (the World Cup leg kicks off on Wednesday 9pm BST) the British No 1 will face Donna Vekic for the Queen’s title.
After disappointing results in the clay-court swing – first-round defeats in Strasbourg and the French Open – Raducanu has been ruthless on grass, reaching the final without dropping a set.
She played two matches on Saturday as rain hampered play on Friday, but powered through her quarter-final and semi-final in quick succession. She beat Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 7-5, before returning to Andy Murray arena just two and a half hours later to dispatch American teenager Iva Jovic 6-2, 6-2.
The rain was not the only challenge Raducanu had to overcome. She survived an injury scare in the fifth game of the second set of her quarter-final, needing her left thigh strapped after slipping on the grass while changing direction. Though she went off court for treatment, she was able to close out the match when she returned, and only wore a small patch of strapping for her semi-final.
“It means everything to be doing it in front of everyone. The support all day was electric so thank you so much,” the 23-year-old said after her semi-final. “This week has been incredible, I really enjoy playing here and that shows in my tennis. Ask any British player and they would love to lift the title here.”
Her Croatian opponent, who beat British No 3 Katie Boulter in straight sets in her semi-final, has also been a tour de force on the grass, dropping her only set of the tournament in her quarter-final against Karolina Pliskova. She entered the tournament as a lucky loser but has not looked back, setting up her first WTA final since 2024 and her first meeting with Raducanu.