Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis star, delivered a commanding performance at the Queen’s Club Championships, storming into the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova. The match, played on the lush grass courts of the Andy Murray Arena in London, showcased Raducanu’s resurgence as she reclaimed her position as Britain’s number one women’s player, a title she last held after her historic 2021 US Open triumph. With the crowd roaring behind her, Raducanu now sets her sights on a potential blockbuster clash against top seed and Paris Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, provided Zheng advances past her own round of 16 match.
Raducanu’s journey to the quarterfinals has been a tale of redemption and rediscovery. After a challenging 2023 marred by injuries and inconsistent form, the former US Open champion has found her rhythm on the grass, a surface that suits her aggressive, expressive style. Her match against Sramkova was a testament to her growing confidence. Racing to a 5-0 lead in the first set, Raducanu appeared poised for a rout, only for Sramkova to claw back four consecutive games, testing the Briton’s resolve. Undeterred, Raducanu sealed the set with a love hold, flashing a sheepish grin as the crowd erupted in support. “I don’t think it was my cleanest performance, but I’m really happy to have pushed through in some tight moments that decided the first set,” she said, acknowledging the pivotal role of the fans. “It was really helpful to have a big roar of support to get me through that last service game.”
The second set saw Raducanu in full control, breaking Sramkova’s serve three times to secure a decisive 6-1 victory. Her powerful serve and crisp groundstrokes, particularly her forehand, overwhelmed her opponent, who struggled to counter Raducanu’s relentless pressure. Reflecting on her mindset, Raducanu emphasized the importance of freedom on the court: “I play my best when my personality is put on the court and I can express myself. Sometimes when I’ve been constrained to play a certain way, it hasn’t necessarily worked. I just need to be free and expressive, and then certain moments of creativity can come up.” Her performance was a blend of precision and passion, a stark contrast to earlier struggles this year, including a grueling three-hour loss to Cristina Bucsa at the Singapore Open.
Raducanu’s resurgence has been bolstered by the return of her former coach Nick Cavaday, working alongside Mark Petchey, which has brought stability to her team. This week at Queen’s, the first women’s Tour event at the venue in over 50 years, she has looked at home, winning both her singles matches in straight sets and even dabbling in doubles with compatriot Katie Boulter. Their doubles partnership, dubbed “Boultucanu,” captured fans’ hearts, though it ended in the quarterfinals against top seeds Lyudmyla Kichenok and Erin Routliffe. “Katie made me feel really comfortable out there over the two matches, and I hope we can team up again soon,” Raducanu said, hinting at future collaborations, though she stopped short of committing to Wimbledon.
The victory over Sramkova not only propelled Raducanu into the quarterfinals but also secured her return to the top of British women’s tennis, overtaking Boulter, who fell to Russia’s Diana Shnaider in a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 defeat. Boulter, gracious in defeat, embraced the friendly rivalry: “It’s going to be fun for me to chase her now, and I think she’s been doing that for a while. Now it’s kind of my turn. I’m very happy for her to be British number one.” Raducanu, currently ranked world No. 37, played down the rankings race, noting, “The tournament is still young, and Katie can go on a rip this week as well. Honestly, it’s nice in a way having something to chase at one, but we have such a great relationship that it’s a very healthy competition.”
As Raducanu prepares for her next challenge, likely against the formidable Zheng Qinwen, she carries the momentum of a player rediscovering her spark. Her grass-court campaign, which includes a semifinal run at Nottingham last year and a quarterfinal appearance at Eastbourne, signals her potential to climb back toward her career-high ranking of No. 10. With Wimbledon looming, Raducanu’s blend of power, creativity, and newfound confidence makes her a player to watch. “I was quite locked in today, so I’m very pleased with my performance,” she said, a statement that resonates with a crowd eager to see her shine on home soil once more.
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