Emma Raducanu ran out of steam in the final of the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club as the British No 1’s bid for a first title since the 2021 US Open ended in a 6-0 7-6 (8-6) defeat to lucky loser Donna Vekic.
Raducanu needed to win two matches on the same day on Saturday to reach just her third career final, and was forced to battle through an injury scare after slipping on the grass during her quarter-final win over Kamilla Rakhimova.
A day later, Raducanu emerged onto court with a patch of tape on her left thigh and appeared under-powered as the former Wimbledon semi-finalist Vekic surged to the opening set without dropping a game in just 28 minutes.
Raducanu, though, produced a spirited response and found energy from the crowd as she led Vekic by a double-break in the second set. The Briton twice served for the set, and had two set points to force a decider, but Vekic managed to hold on.
The tiebreak was tight, but Vekic produced brave play and directed several winners onto the lines to convert her fifth Championship point and seal her first title since 2023.
Follow live updates from Raducanu v Vekic in the Queen’s final, below
Emma Raducanu ‘proud’ of efforts at Queen’s
“I think the performances I had this week, I played really well. I was able to play and dictate, and that’s something I wasn’t able to do today.
“I managed to get myself back into the second set, and I’m proud of how I fought. That’s not something that in the past years I have always done, so that’s a positive.
“I haven’t really played much this season, but to think I have made two finals so far, which I haven’t done in years, it has to be kind of, in a way, celebrated. It’s a good achievement for me and I’m proud of it.
“Right now it obviously really stings so I’m just going to try and let myself feel it today but try and get over it pretty quick.”
Donna Vekic congratulates Emma Raducanu on ‘great week’
Queen’s champion Donna Vekic in her winner’s speech:
“Wow, first of all congrats Emma on such a great week. You are such an incredible player and I wish you and your team all of the best for the remainder of the grass season.
“Growing up and watching the tour I was always jealous of the boys having a chance to play at this amazing club [the women’s tournament was not played at Queen’s between 1974 and 2024].
“I am very grateful that since last year we have had the opportunity to play here as well. Thank you to everyone who made this happen, we really enjoy it.”
Emma Raducanu fades after epic second set
The second set was 80 minutes long – an epic.
It had twists and turns with Raducanu playing some inspired tennis – after a tough opener – to lead by a double break but Vekic’s response was assured and she twice held on when her oppponent served for the match.
The tiebreak could have gone either way. Vekic hit the line on 6-6. It was that close, inches.
Donna Vekic: From lucky loser to Queen’s champion
What a week, too, for Donna Vekic. The former Wimbledon semi-finalist wins her first title since 2023. She lost in qualifying, and only entered the draw when Marta Kostyuk pulled out due to injury on the eve of the tournament. She is super dangerous on grass and is a threat ahead of Wimbledon, that’s for sure. There are fireworks above Queen’s Club as she collects the trophy.
Emma Raducanu collects runners-up trophy
It’s still been a wonderful week for Emma Raducanu. She battled rain, tough opponents, an injury scare, and found some joy and excellent tennis on the grass. A good sign for Wimbledon, for sure.
“What a week. It’s been incredible reaching the final at my home tournament. The support I’ve received has been incredible, especially today. Donna played an exceptional match. Thanks for helping me push back in the first set.”
Emma Raducanu beaten by Donna Vekic in Queen’s final after spirited fightback
After a tough opening set for Emma Raducanu, that was a commendable fightback. She had chances to take it to the decider, serving for the second set twice, but you suspect she ran out of steam after playing two matches yesterday.
Donna Vekic raised her level, fighting back from 5-2 down in the second, and playing bravely in the tiebreak. She resisted the home crowd, converting her fifth match point.
Queen’s final: *Emma Raducanu 0-6 6-7 (6-8) Donna Vekic
Another line for Vekic in the tiebreak! The backhand winner lands in, just, and Raducanu can’t believe it.
Another Championship point, the fifth.
Raducanu hits out after a tense rally. It’s over! Vekic wins a thrilling tiebreak.
GAME, SET AND MATCH!
Queen’s final: *Emma Raducanu 0-6 6-6 (6-6) Donna Vekic
Gutsy point from Raducanu! She stays close to the lines, flirting with danger. Vekic nets. 5-5.
That’s huge from Vekic, though. Power an d accuracy to the corners. Raducanu blocks out.
A fourth Championship point for Vekic, and on serve. She takes her time, takes a deep breath.
And Raducanu saves another! She finds depth on the return, then on the forehand.
Vekic nets! 6-6!
Queen’s final: *Emma Raducanu 0-6 6-6 (4-5) Donna Vekic
Vekic looked like she might wriggle out of the point but Raducanu stays cool to put away the volley at the net.
Two points on serve from Vekic would bring more Championship points. But Vekic double-faults! She catches the net-tape and it lands out!
Suddenly it’s back at 4-4. Raducanu was in the point but puts the forehand long. Vekic remains ahead, but it’s on serve.
