Emma Raducanu shares what has changed since Andrew Richardson returned as she reaches Queen’s final

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Emma Raducanu defeated Iva Jovic, 6-2, 6-2, in the Queen’s semi-finals.

The Briton delivered a flawless performance to qualify for her first career WTA final on home soil.

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Raducanu has been excellent all week in Queen’s, finding form in her first tournament on grass since Andrew Richardson returned to her coaching setup.

During her post-match press conference, Raducanu highlighted the importance of Richardson, explaining how he has helped her improve.

Emma Raducanu says Andrew Richardson has helped create the ‘new Emma’ at Queen’s

Raducanu was asked the following question after beating Jovic in the semi-finals.

“Andrew Richardson now back in your camp. Do you feel like you’re now playing the brand of tennis you want to play, and dare I say, is the old Emma playing style, is that back for you?” the reporter asked.

The 2021 US Open champion didn’t quite agree with that assessment of her game.

“I think it’s great to have him back. I think we have been working on this game style. The whole week I have been playing really, really good tennis and the brand of tennis that I really want to play,” said Raducanu.

“I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily the old Emma.

“I think it’s the new Emma, because you take all the lessons and experience, you know, all the different ups and downs, and you take everything. You understand a lot more about what’s going on and what works for you.

“So I’d say, yeah, I’m back and better!”

Raducanu continued, reflecting on her run to the final and the tennis she’s played this week at Queen’s.

Emma Raducanu at Queen’s – 2026

“I would say I played really good tennis, you know, today against Iva [Jovic], against Sorana [Cirstea], first round, and this morning as well was really tricky,” she said.

“I think I’m playing really good.

“I think the lessons would probably be to be my most athletic self. My personality, I think it’s clear this week that I had a lot of fun on the court. When I’m smiling and enjoying it, that’s when I feel the best level can kind of flow out from there, rather than trying to put me in any type of mould.

“So I think that’s what Andrew [Richardson] and the rest of the team does such a great job of is: they just create a space where they allow me to be myself, and I think seeing that come through this week has been great reinforcement of what we have been doing.”

Raducanu could well win her second title with Richardson in her corner on Sunday afternoon.

Croatia’s Donna Vekic will be keen to spoil the party.

Donna Vekic already has her sights set on Wimbledon before Queen’s final vs Emma Raducanu

Vekic defeated Katie Boulter in the earlier semi-final.

Entering the main draw as a lucky loser, Vekic has improved match by match, and will provide a tough test for Raducanu in the final.

During her post-match press conference, the former Olympic silver medallist explained why she is so confident on the grass.

“Yeah, I feel like I have a lot of experience on grass. Played so many tournaments. Did really well in the past, as well,” she said.

“I just feel like, especially this week, with each match, I have just been improving so much, and hopefully I play a little bit better tomorrow, as well.

“Overall, it’s a really good week. I mean, obviously it would be great to win Queen’s, but the big goal is Wimbledon.”

Vekic is a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, narrowly missing out on a place in the final two years ago.

• 2024 Wimbledon SF – Jasmine Paolini defeated Donna Vekic, 2-6, 6-4, 7-6, [10-8]

The Croat would love to get her hands on the Wimbledon trophy later this summer, but knows she has work to do at Queen’s first.

Vekic and Raducanu will contest the 2026 Queen’s women’s singles final on Sunday, June 14.