It has been a sensational week for both Emma Raducanu and Donna Vekic, but in the end, only one could emerge truly victorious.
Sadly for the hometown hero, it was the Croatian who had the cutting edge needed to secure the title, and she deservedly lifted that enormous trophy after today’s final.
In the end, it was a hugely entertaining final, made even more so given how one-sided it initially threatened to be.
Alas, whilst Emma Raducanu will feel disappointed to have missed out on the title, she can take great solace in the rankings jump she has enjoyed because of this performance in Queen’s.
Emma Raducanu and Donna Vekic’s new ranking after Queen’s
Both she and Vekic have actually put themselves in phenomenal positions ahead of Wimbledon because of their respective runs.
In reaching the final, Raducanu has jumped up 11 spots to 31st in the world, now within the seeded spots for her home Grand Slam.
How far do you think Emma Raducanu will go at Wimbledon after watching her at Queen’s?
Unsurprisingly, this title has had an even more dramatic impact on Vekic.
She started the week ranked 76th in the world, but with the Queen’s title in hand, the 28-year-old has sprung 44 places to 32nd, just behind her fellow finalist.
Out of nowhere, these two stars are now set to be seeded at Wimbledon, and have arguably enjoyed the perfect start to the grass-court season.
Raducanu had a message for the Queen’s crowd after the final, thanking them for their support across a gruelling week.
Tracy Austin reacts after watching Donna Vekic beat Emma Raducanu in the Queen’s final
Speaking for Tennis Channel during their live coverage after the final, Tracy Austin had nothing but praise for the two finalists, who put on quite a show for the fans.
The American pundit began by praising Vekic, stating: “She is so dangerous when everything is coming together in her game, and this is the type of week she’s going to be looking forward to Wimbledon.
“Actually, I spoke about her ranking at 76 now. She’s getting close to the area, about 32, 33, in the live rankings of being seeded at Wimbledon, Emma Raducanu, as well. So, such an important week for both players.”
Where do you think Emma Raducanu will finish 2026 ranked?
Austin then honed in on Raducanu, adding: “You can hear and see the disappointment from Emma Raducanu. She would love to hold that huge trophy at its very large on the right, but it has been a phenomenal week when she has a chance to look back for her.
“So positive, she’s healthy. She’s hitting the ball so well, getting close to that magical tennis that won her the US Open in 2021.
This prompted Chanda Rubin to also claim: “You know, second final for Emma Raducanu of this season; that’s been a long time coming, that hasn’t happened for her since that 2021 US Open title. So a lot of positives, a lot to look forward to, as she progresses in the grass-court season.”
