British tennis star Emma Raducanu concluded a highly encouraging week at the Queen's Club Championships by reaching the final, ultimately falling short against Croatia's Donna Vekic. While the 23-year-old expressed immediate disappointment at missing out on her first WTA Tour title since her historic US Open triumph in 2021, the positives from her grass-court season debut are substantial as Wimbledon approaches.
Raducanu's journey to the final saw her play with a noticeable freedom and aggression, a stark contrast to her earlier struggles on clay. She reached the championship match without dropping a single set, showcasing a game style that appears particularly well-suited to the grass courts. Her movement on the surface was both natural and confident, while the lower, skiddier bounce of the ball amplified the power of her serve and groundstrokes. This newfound comfort and effectiveness on grass suggest that the hours spent on clay earlier in the season, initially a concern, have paid dividends in building her match fitness.
A significant factor in Raducanu's resurgence has been the re-appointment of Andrew Richardson, the coach who was instrumental in her US Open victory. Under Richardson's guidance, Raducanu has compiled an impressive record, winning 14 of 17 matches across four tour-level tournaments. His 'old-school' approach, focusing on high-volume training to build solid habits, seems to resonate with Raducanu, who thrives on targeted input and challenges from her coaching team. During the final against Vekic, Richardson's strategic advice, such as driving returns up the middle, visibly shifted the match's dynamic.
Raducanu herself acknowledges a transformation in her game and mindset. She described her current approach not as a return to 'the old Emma', but rather 'the new Emma', indicating a mature integration of past lessons and experiences. This evolution, coupled with the familiar and trusted presence of Richardson and the strong home support at Queen's, has allowed her to play with a relaxed demeanour and a visible enjoyment of the game. Her ability to play with a smile and a sense of freedom is often when she performs at her best.
Despite the final defeat, where she was unable to convert a fifth championship point, Raducanu's performance at Queen's has significantly raised expectations for Wimbledon. Her strong showing against top-tier opponents, combined with her evident comfort and tactical intelligence on grass, positions her as a formidable contender for the upcoming Grand Slam, demonstrating that her game is in excellent shape.
Source: BBC Sport