Katie Boulter’s Queen’s Club campaign came to a disappointing end on Saturday afternoon.
Boulter produced a fine set of performances to reach the semi-finals in London, beating Leylah Fernandez, Jacqueline Cristian and world number two Elena Rybakina en route.
Unfortunately for fans of the British star, she was unable to qualify for – what would have been – the most significant final of her career to date.
Donna Vekic, a lucky loser at the event, defeated Boulter 6-1, 6-3 in the Andy Murray Arena.
On the face of it, Boulter’s loss represents a significant missed opportunity: it is rare to face a lucky loser in a WTA Tour semi-final.
However, Boulter really should not feel too disheartened when taking into account the totality of her efforts in London.
Katie Boulter played some of the best tennis of her career at the 2026 Queen’s Club Championships
When analysing Boulter’s campaign in London, there can be no denying that she squandered a considerable opportunity.
Boulter needed to beat the world number 76 to reach her most significant career final; yet she barely laid a glove on the Croatian player throughout Saturday’s contest.
However, there are two things worth remembering before jumping to any conclusions about Boulter’s defeat in the British capital.
First, Boulter secured her greatest-ever win at this year’s event, beating 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
This achievement simply cannot be understated; and Boulter should be proud of her efforts against the 2022 Wimbledon champion.
Katie Boulter’s Queen’s Club campaign
- First round: defeated Leylah Fernandez 3-6, 7-6, 7-5
- Second round: defeated Jacqueline Cristian 6-1, 6-3
- Quarter-finals: defeated Elena Rybakina 7-5, 2-6, 6-4
- Semi-finals: lost to Donna Vekic, 1-6, 3-6
Second, Boulter was defeated by a player who has enjoyed great success on grass courts in the past.
Vekic first demonstrated her grass-court prowess at the 2024 Bad Homburg Open, losing in the final to Diana Shnaider.
She then continued her excellent form at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, defeating Dayana Yastremska and Paula Badosa en route to the semi-finals.
Who will win the 2026 Queen’s final – Emma Raducanu or Donna Vekic?
Vote now!
Admittedly, Vekic struggled during the 2025 grass-court swing, winning just two of her six matches across four events.
However, the Croat appears to have re-captured her best grass-court form this year, and she will certainly provide a stern test for Emma Raducanu in the Queen’s Club final.
Donna Vekic’s reaction to beating Katie Boulter
“To be playing on this incredible court is such an honour,” Vekic said after beating Boulter on Saturday afternoon, as reported by the LTA.
“The more time I spend on the court the better it’s been for me so I’m happy I have another chance tomorrow.
“I’ve been improving with each match and that’s usually how it goes on grass. The more time you spend on it, the better you get. I’m really happy.
“I love this city. I spent a lot of time training here when I was younger so I have a lot of friends here and it feels like a second home to me.”
Vekic, a winner of four WTA titles, will play Emma Raducanu for the first time when the pair contest Sunday’s Queen’s Club final.
Raducanu has been in fine form throughout this week, beating Iva Jovic on her way to the championship showpiece.
The Briton also managed to win two matches in one day [quarter-final and semi-final], allaying any fears concerning her physical condition.
