Olaniyi AyoolaEmma Raducanu’s run at the 2025 Queen’s Club Championships came to an end in the quarter‑finals, as she was beaten 6‑2, 6‑4 by China’s Zheng Qinwen. The 22‑year‑old Olympic champion, currently ranked No. 5, claimed her first-ever grass‑court semi‑final appearance at Queen’s after a match marked by both on‑court drama and physical strain.
The match featured a tense moment early in the first set when Zheng slipped twice and called for a mid‑game shoe and orthotic change, drawing audible boos from the crowd for the extended stoppage. During the delay, Raducanu, perhaps to stay sharp, unleashed a practice serve—against regulations, but the umpire let it slide. After apologizing for the interruption, Zheng returned focused and strong, breaking Raducanu’s serve to seal a 6‑2 opening set .
Raducanu appeared to rally in the second set, taking a medical timeout to treat recurring back spasms. The break seemed to energize her: she surged to a 3‑0 lead with two breaks of serve . However, Zheng steadied herself, seized back control, and closed the set 6‑4 by converting her fourth match point .
Despite the loss, Raducanu’s week wasn’t without highlights. She notched her first WTA doubles win with Katie Boulter, reclaimed the British No. 1 ranking, and notched straight‑sets singles victories over Cristina Bucșa and Rebecca Sramkova. Still, concern lingers over her persistent back pain ahead of Wimbledon; this injury might even rule her out of the German Open next week.
Meanwhile, in an upset, 37‑year‑old qualifier Tatjana Maria defeated former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and will face Madison Keys in the semi‑finals
Musa
dam
John Owolabi