Vekic denies Raducanu at Queen’s as Brit falls short in final

Emma Raducanu came within touching distance of a first title since her 2021 US Open breakthrough but was edged out in the Queen’s Club final by Croatia’s Donna Vekic in a tense two set battle.

Raducanu struggled early as Vekic raced through the opening set 6-0 in under 30 minutes, with the British player appearing hampered by a leg concern. The second set, however, turned into a gripping fightback, as Raducanu lifted her level and surged ahead with a double break.

Serving for the set at 5-4, she was unable to close it out, and even after saving multiple championship points later in the set, she eventually slipped in a tight tie break, with Vekic sealing the win 6-0, 7-6 (8-6).

Vekic, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, entered the tournament as a lucky loser after initially falling in qualifying but made the most of her second chance to lift the trophy. Her calm finishing under pressure proved decisive in a match that grew increasingly physical as both players tired.

Raducanu, ranked 42nd in the world, had the backing of a lively home crowd and produced flashes of the form that once carried her to Grand Slam glory. Despite the defeat, her run to the final offered clear signs of progress as she continues her preparations for Wimbledon.