Racing to the finish with grit and determination, Emma Raducanu defied a potentially game-changing injury scare to storm into the semi-finals of the Queen's Club tournament, dispatching lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 7-5. This thrilling triumph marks a significant milestone for Raducanu, earning her first semi-final berth at the prestigious grass-court event.
The match on sunny Barons Court was an intense affair, with Raducanu initially in complete command, leading 6-3, 3-1. But just as it seemed she had Rakhimova on the ropes, disaster struck – a slip on the slick grass left her clutching at her left thigh in agony. The momentum swung dramatically, and despite a medical timeout that saw her return with her thigh taped for support, Raducanu's game was severely disrupted.
Reflecting on the terrifying tumble, Raducanu acknowledged it was a mental as much as physical challenge: "I think it's a mix of adrenaline, but it was tough to take that fall. I felt like I was in a pretty good spot in the match. On grass, these things happen," she said philosophically, crediting the fervent home support with helping her bounce back from adversity: "I found it pretty tough to regroup, but I'm really proud of how I did that with their help." Her ability to overcome both physical discomfort and mental wobble was crucial in closing out the second set.
This semi-final appearance is Raducanu's fifth at a tour-level event since her history-making US Open triumph in 2021, and her second at WTA 500 level or above. It follows a resounding victory on Friday over world No. 18 Sorana Cirstea in straight sets. The quarter-final against Rakhimova had been postponed from Thursday due to rain, leading to a condensed schedule for some players.
The immediate concern now shifts to Raducanu's fitness ahead of her semi-final showdown with 18-year-old Iva Jovic – the sixth seed and world No. 19 – scheduled for later today. The extent of the thigh injury remains unclear, casting a shadow over her chances against a highly-rated opponent. Meanwhile, fellow Brit Katie Boulter will also be competing in the other semi-final, facing Donna Vekic after her dramatic victory over world No. 2 Elena Rybakina.