Queen’s 2026: Emma Raducanu loses to Donna Vekic in women’s final

Emma Raducanu paid the price for her slow start, losing to Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the Queen’s final.

Raducanu, 23, lost 6-0 7-6 (8-6) to Wimbledon semi-finalist Vekic two years ago and still has not won a title since the 2021 US Open.

Raducanu bravely claimed three championship points at 6-5 in the second set and saved the fourth off Vekic’s serve in the tiebreak, but could not deny his opponent with a forehand shot in the fifth set.

29-year-old Vekic was a lucky loser; meaning she was defeated in qualifying and drawn with French Open semi-finalist Marta Kostyuk injured, and took full advantage of her fortune to lift the trophy.

Raducanu, ranked 42nd in the world, appeared hampered by a leg problem as Vekic reached the first set in less than half an hour.

The number one British team recovered superbly to take a double lead in the second set, but twice failed to achieve victory.

Ranked 72nd but adept on the grass, Vekic is an experienced tackler and kept his courage in balance.

Both players looked tiring in the physical encounter, but Raducanu – backed by the raucous crowd – dug deep to take the tiebreaker.

Despite the defeat, Raducanu will be very proud of an encouraging week on English grass as he progresses towards Wimbledon.

The ranking points he gains will take him to the brink of the world’s top 30, which could be enough to secure him a seeding at the All England Club.

“What a great week it was, reaching the final was an incredible week for me,” Raducanu said.

“Donna played perfectly from start to finish.”