Raducanu Shines as Women's Tennis Makes History at Queen's Club!
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Emma Raducanu captivated audiences as women's tennis made a triumphant return to Queen's Club after 52 years! The former US Open champion was the star attraction on Monday, marking a momentous occasion in the tennis world.
Following the excitement of the Roland Garros, Queen's serves as the kickoff to the grass-court season. This year's event is particularly special as it includes a WTA 500 tournament, a groundbreaking addition to the traditionally ATP-exclusive event since 1973. This was made possible by a deal struck last year.
Joining Raducanu at Queen's are tennis heavyweights such as reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, Australian Open winner Madison Keys, 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, and world No. 5 Zheng Qinwen.
However, all eyes were on Raducanu, who famously won the US Open in 2021 as an 18-year-old qualifier. Fans eagerly lined up to watch the British star team up with Katie Boulter in their doubles match. The pair didn't disappoint, securing a decisive 6-4, 6-2 victory over Jiang Xinyu and Wu Feng-Hsien.
Raducanu, who is scheduled to play Cristina Bucsa in the singles first round, expressed her enjoyment of the intimate atmosphere of Court One. She was seen joking with Boulter and engaging with the spectators.
"I love playing on those smaller courts where you really feel the support and crowd gets into it," Raducanu said. "I was filling my bottle up, and I was literally having a chat in the stands because that's how close it is. It puts a really nice feel to it."
Partnering with Boulter, Raducanu looked reinvigorated. This event held special significance for her, having visited Queen's as a child.
"When I came with my dad, I was more hunting the (chocolate) brownies around the grounds and not so interested in the tennis! To be back now and competing is amazing."
'Boultercanu' Delivers Doubles Delight
Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter have quickly become a fan favourite pairing, playfully dubbed 'Boultercanu'. Their on-court chemistry was infectious, marked by laughter, high-fives, and evident enjoyment of the game. When asked about the possibility of playing doubles at Wimbledon, they hinted at ambitions for the Wimbledon title, showcasing their playful spirit and competitive drive.
Raducanu's Return to Form
After struggling with form and back issues, Raducanu's performance at Queen's Club is a welcome sign for her fans. Her positive attitude and strong showing suggest she is ready to make a strong impact on the grass-court season. Keep an eye on Emma as she continues her campaign at Queen's!