Donna Vekic defeats Emma Raducanu in thrilling Queen's final to claim her first title since 2023
Donna Vekic claimed her first title in three years, defeating former US Open champion Emma Raducanu 6-0, 7-6(6) in the Queen's Club final on Sunday. Vekic dominated the first set and held her nerve in a tense second-set tie-break to secure her fifth career title.
The 29-year-old Croatian, ranked 76th in the world, was only able to compete in the event as a 'lucky loser' after Marta Kostyuk withdrew due to injury. Vekic, who has a strong record on grass, having reached the 2024 Wimbledon semi-finals and won the Nottingham Open in 2017, made the most of her second chance.
In a rollercoaster second set, Vekic trailed 5-2 and wasted four match points before ultimately emerging victorious. Raducanu, the British number one, was seeking her first title since her 2021 US Open win but fell short. Despite the loss, Raducanu, who has been revitalised since rehiring coach Andrew Richardson, will head to Wimbledon with renewed belief.
Vekic praised her coach, David Felgate, saying, "We have worked together since I was 12 years old... without you I wouldn't be here with this trophy." Raducanu reflected on the match, stating, "Today was a really tough match. Donna played extremely well from the start to the finish."
The 29-year-old Croatian, ranked 76th in the world, was only able to compete in the event as a 'lucky loser' after Marta Kostyuk withdrew due to injury. Vekic, who has a strong record on grass, having reached the 2024 Wimbledon semi-finals and won the Nottingham Open in 2017, made the most of her second chance.
In a rollercoaster second set, Vekic trailed 5-2 and wasted four match points before ultimately emerging victorious. Raducanu, the British number one, was seeking her first title since her 2021 US Open win but fell short. Despite the loss, Raducanu, who has been revitalised since rehiring coach Andrew Richardson, will head to Wimbledon with renewed belief.
Vekic praised her coach, David Felgate, saying, "We have worked together since I was 12 years old... without you I wouldn't be here with this trophy." Raducanu reflected on the match, stating, "Today was a really tough match. Donna played extremely well from the start to the finish."
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