Vekic beats Raducanu in Queen's Club final to end title drought

Donna Vekić captured her first title in nearly three years by routing Emma Raducanu 6-0, 7-6 (8/6) in the Queen’s Club final on Sunday. The Croatian world number 76 earned the title despite entering as a lucky loser after Marta Kostyuk withdrew injured on the eve of the tournament. Vekić’s victory marks her fifth career title and her first since the 2023 Monterrey Open. Raducanu, British No.1, arrived in London following a viral illness and a string of fitness issues, with just one win in her previous seven matches prior to Queen’s.

Vekić’s performance was anchored by a fearless start and a clutch comeback in the second set, as she battled back from a 5-2 deficit and saved four match points before clinching the tiebreak. She credited coach David Felgate for guiding her grass-court campaign, noting their long-standing partnership. Raducanu, who now heads to Wimbledon in good spirits despite the setback, said it had been a special week in her home city. The result extends the drought of a homegrown title for British players on the grass this year and provides a confidence boost heading into Wimbledon, which begins on June 29.