Emma Raducanu moved confidently into the quarter-finals of the Queen’s Club Championships with a decisive 6–4, 6–1 victory over Rebecca Sramkova on Thursday, emerging as the only remaining British player following early exits by Katie Boulter and Heather Watson.
The 22‑year‑old raced ahead to a dominant 5–0 lead in the first set, before Sramkova responded with four consecutive games to narrow the gap. Raducanu refocused, closing out the set and establishing control for the remainder of the match, breaking serve multiple times in the second set to seal a comfortable win.
This commanding performance earned Raducanu the re‑designation as British No. 1, overtaking Boulter—a position she reclaims for the first time in two years. Reflecting on the match, Raducanu conceded it wasn’t flawless but praised her ability to “push through in the tight moments” and acknowledged the boost from the home crowd.
A packed Andy Murray Arena provided an electric setting for her win. Raducanu now anticipates a challenging quarter-final against either top seed Zheng Qinwen, the Olympic champion, who played later on Thursday.
British Hopes Fade, Raducanu Prevails
Katie Boulter and Heather Watson bowed out earlier in the day. Boulter fell in a three‑set battle to Diana Shnaider, while Watson quit after losing to fourth seed Elena Rybakina. Their exits left all British hopes pinned on Raducanu.
The Comeback Trail
Emma’s ascent reflects a strong grass‑court revival following notable victories, including a resounding straight‑sets win against Cristina Bucsa in the second round, executed with strength and strategic precision. Recovering from injuries in 2023, her form this week signals readiness heading into Wimbledon.
What Lies Ahead
- Potential Quarter-Final Opponent: If Zheng Qinwen advances, Emma will face the top seed and reigning Olympic champion.
- Wimbledon Seeding Pressure: With a current ranking around No. 37, another deep run here could secure her a seeded position at Wimbledon.
- Grass‑Court Confidence: Sharp serving and dominant baseline play suggest a player in good touch as the major on grass approaches.
Summary
| Match Detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Score | 6–4, 6–1 |
| First set lead | 5–0 before Sramkova’s run |
| Secures British No. 1 | Overtakes Katie Boulter |
| Next Match | Likely vs. Zheng Qinwen |
| Wimbledon Seeding | Within reach with wins |
Raducanu’s commanding victory under the home crowd’s support marks a strong statement as the last Briton standing at Queen’s. She will look to build on this momentum in the quarter-finals as Wimbledon draws near.
