Emma Raducanu Falls to Donna Vekic in Queen’s Final

by Chief Editor

Donna Vekic defeated British No 1 Emma Raducanu 6-0, 7-6 (8-6) to win the Queen’s Club women’s singles title. Despite a late rally from Raducanu in the second set, the 29-year-old Croatian secured the victory on her fifth championship point. The result pushes both players toward Wimbledon seeding, with Raducanu provisionally ranked 31st and Vekic 32nd, according to tournament reports.

How did the match unfold at Queen’s?

Vekic dominated the opening set, claiming it 6-0 as she overpowered Raducanu. According to match reports, Raducanu struggled to find her rhythm early, though she shifted momentum in the second set by securing a double-break advantage. Vekic, who entered the tournament as a lucky loser, regained her form to win four consecutive games and force a tie-break. She eventually converted her fifth championship point to secure the title.

How did the match unfold at Queen’s?
Pro Tip: Grass-court success is often defined by physical recovery. Raducanu played two matches on Saturday due to rain delays, spending over two hours more on court than Vekic ahead of the final.

What does this mean for Raducanu’s Wimbledon prospects?

Raducanu’s performance at Queen’s significantly improves her chances of being seeded at Wimbledon. Former British No 1 Tim Henman noted on Sky Sports that the week marked a major positive for the former US Open champion. He highlighted her “controlled, aggressive tennis” and improved body language as indicators of progress following a 2026 season hampered by a post-viral illness.

Comparison: The Road to the Final

Player Path to Final Final Status
Emma Raducanu Two matches on Saturday Runner-up
Donna Vekic One match (vs. Katie Boulter) Champion

Why is this result a turning point for both players?

For Vekic, the victory marks her first title since 2023. Having entered the draw as a lucky loser, her win represents a massive turnaround in form. For Raducanu, the tournament provided a chance to prove she can dictate play against high-level opponents. “The performances I had this week, I played really well,” Raducanu told reporters. “I was able to play and dictate, and that’s something I wasn’t able to do in the final.”

Donna Vekic vs. Emma Raducanu | 2026 London Final | WTA Match Highlights
Did you know? Emma Raducanu was attempting to become the first British female winner at Queen’s since Ann Jones achieved the feat in 1969.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who won the 2026 Queen’s Club women’s singles title? Donna Vekic defeated Emma Raducanu to claim the title.
  • Is Emma Raducanu expected to be seeded for Wimbledon? Yes, her run at Queen’s has placed her in a position to be seeded, with a provisional ranking of 31st.
  • How did Donna Vekic enter the main draw? Vekic entered the main draw as a lucky loser after a defeat in the qualifying rounds.

Follow our coverage of the upcoming Grand Slam tournaments for the latest player rankings and match analysis. Have thoughts on Raducanu’s form? Let us know in the comments below.

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