Donna Vekic produced a blistering start to overwhelm Emma Raducanu in the Queen’s final, racing through the opening set 6-0 in under half an hour.
The Croatian, who had entered the main draw as a lucky loser after initially falling in qualifying, immediately capitalised on Raducanu’s slow movement and apparent discomfort.
Her aggressive returning and consistent depth left the British star chasing shadows from the first game.
Raducanu, ranked around 42 in the world, struggled to settle and appeared to be carrying a leg issue, which further limited her ability to respond to Vekic’s early surge.
Raducanu Battles Back Amid Injury Concerns
Despite the one-sided start, Emma Raducanu showed resilience in the second set, responding to increased support from the home crowd at Queen’s Club.
After calling for encouragement from her team, she began to find more rhythm and intensity, breaking Vekic’s serve to move ahead and briefly taking control of the set.
Her improved movement allowed her to extend rallies, a crucial shift that unsettled the Croatian’s rhythm.
However, questions over her physical condition remained, with strapping visible on her left thigh as she continued to manage the match under strain.
Vekic Holds Firm in a High-Pressure Finish
At the other side of the net, Donna Vekic leaned on her experience to withstand Raducanu’s comeback attempt.
The second set turned into a tense battle, with Raducanu twice unable to serve out the set despite holding set points at 5-4.
Vekic saved multiple championship points as momentum swung repeatedly between the two players.
Even as fatigue crept into both competitors, Vekic maintained composure in the decisive moments, forcing a tie-break after Raducanu failed to close out the set.
A Tense Tie-Break Decides the Championship
The final stages delivered a dramatic finish, with Raducanu saving several match points to keep the contest alive in a nervy tie-break.
The British player showed determination under pressure, including fighting off four championship points in total across the closing games.
The Centre Court crowd responded loudly as she attempted to extend the match into a deciding set.
But on her fifth opportunity, Vekic finally sealed victory when Raducanu sent a forehand wide, completing a 6-0 7-6 (8-6) win and lifting the Queen’s title.
Physical Strain and Scheduling Pressure Under Scrutiny
Raducanu’s defeat came at the end of a demanding week in London, where disrupted scheduling forced her to play multiple matches in a short span due to earlier rain delays.
She had slipped during a previous match and required treatment throughout the tournament, with visible strapping indicating ongoing fitness concerns heading into the final.
Her movement appeared restricted during key phases, particularly in the opening set, raising questions about how much her physical condition influenced the outcome.
Encouraging Signs Despite Final Defeat
Despite the disappointment, Raducanu expressed pride in reaching the final and acknowledged Vekic’s strong performance.
The result still represents a positive step in her grass-court preparation ahead of Wimbledon, with ranking points pushing her closer to a potential top-30 seeding.
While the trophy slipped away, her run to the final suggested growing consistency as she continues rebuilding momentum on tour following her 2021 US Open breakthrough.
