It’s another final in 2026 and sadly another loss for Emma Raducanu, who was well beaten by Donna Vekic in a hugely entertaining match earlier today.
Having raced into a one-set lead by a crushing 6-0 margin, it really felt like the Croatian was going to run away with this match.
However, rallied by her home support, the 23-year-old fought back and had two opportunities to serve for the second set. She rather frustratingly was unable to convert, and Vekic made her pay, winning the tiebreak and the match.
Emma Raducanu spoke afterwards, and naturally cut a downtrodden figure.
She was keen to look for the positives though, speaking on court afterwards.
Emma Raducanu speaks for the first time after losing in the Queen’s Club final
The top-ranked Brit unsurprisingly began by outlining her enjoyment over the past week at Queen’s, despite being forced to play an unorthodox schedule.
Raducanu claimed: “What a week. It’s been an incredible week for me, making the final here, playing in my home city and home tournament.
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“The support I have received all week has been incredible, so I really want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support. Today especially was a tough match. Donna played extremely well from the start to the finish.
“So thanks for getting me through some tough moments this week and helping me push back in that second set.”
She then congratulated Vekic, adding: “I would also like to congratulate Donna. What a week for you. From qualifying all the way to the title. You played really well, so all the best.”
There were fears over Raducanu’s fitness before the final, having fallen during a match earlier in the week. However, that seemingly had no impact on the final result, which was dictated by Vekic’s ruthless power.
Donna Vekic’s championship speech after winning the Queen’s title
Vekic also had kind words for Raducanu in her championship speech, before then outlining her love for the grass.
She began by saying: “First of all, congrats Emma on such a great week. You are such an incredible player, and I wish you and your team all the best for the remainder of the grass season.”
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Vekic then told a story: “Growing up and playing on the Tour, I was always jealous of the boys having the chance to play on this court and at this amazing club. I am very grateful that since last year we’ve had an opportunity to play here as well. Thank you to everyone who made that happen; we really enjoy it.
“I have to say thanks to my coach David. We worked together when I was 12 years old. You raised me; without you, I would not even know what grass is. So when I called you two weeks ago to help me for this year’s grass court season, you said yes, and thank you so much; without you I would not be here with this trophy.”
Vekic finished with a statement of intent: “This is my favourite time of the year, my favourite surface. I really made the most of it this time. And I will see you in two weeks at Wimbledon.”
