Raducanu Shines on ‘Home Turf’ with Dominant Queen’s Win

Relaxed Raducanu Wins on ‘Home Turf’ at Queen’s

Emma Raducanu made a statement return to grass-court tennis with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Cristina Bucsa at the Andy Murray Arena during the Queen’s Club Championships in London.

The 2021 US Open champion, smiling and visibly at ease, wrapped up her first-round match in just 65 minutes, delighting a supportive home crowd.

“It felt incredibly special,” Raducanu said. “For us girls to have this tournament here finally is really nice.”

This marks the first women’s tournament at Queen’s since 1973, and Raducanu is one of four Britons still in the draw as she aims to become the first British woman to win the title since Ann Jones in 1969.

Home Crowd Lift for Raducanu

Playing on home soil and supported by an enthusiastic crowd, Raducanu looked relaxed and focused. Fans showered her with support, and the Brit responded by smiling and engaging between points. After sealing her win, she wrote “home turf :)” on the camera lens, highlighting her comfort and joy at Queen’s.

Having dealt with coaching changes, injury setbacks, and off-court difficulties including a stalking incident in Dubai, Raducanu appears to be regaining her confidence. With coach Nick Cavaday back in her corner, she’s aiming to rediscover the form that saw her shock the world in 2021.

Her next match could be a major test against Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, provided the Czech beats Rebecca Sramkova later today.

Boulter Battles to Opening Win at ‘Dream’ Venue

British No.1 Katie Boulter had to dig deep to get past Ajla Tomljanovic in a dramatic 7-6 (7-4), 1-6, 6-4 win. Boulter admitted she “dreamt” of playing Queen’s after years of watching the men’s event.

“To get the women back here feels very special,” said Boulter. “I’m just really grateful to be on this court.”

In a rollercoaster match, Boulter recovered from a rough second set and a slow start to the decider to ultimately find her form and advance. She’ll next face either Magdalena Frech or Diana Shnaider.

Watson and Kartal Progress, Jones Falls

• Heather Watson beat Yulia Putintseva 6-4, 6-3 and will meet Elena Rybakina in the last 16.

• Sonay Kartal impressed on Day 1 with a win over world No.16 Daria Kasatkina.

• Wildcard Francesca Jones lost 6-2, 6-4 to American McCartney Kessler, falling short of a British clean sweep.