Olaniyi AyoolaEmma Raducanu is set to return as Britain’s No 1 women’s tennis player after her commanding 6‑4, 6‑1 win over Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova at the Queen’s Club Championships, securing her spot in the quarter‑finals. That victory came after doubles partner Katie Boulter bowed out earlier in the tournament, paving the way for Raducanu to reclaim the British top spot, a position she hadn’t held since June 2023.
In a one‑hour and 17‑minute match, the former US Open champion showed her grass‑court credentials, recovering from a brief Sramkova surge to dominate the second set and affirm her rising form. Raducanu, currently ranked around world No 36–37, could earn a Wimbledon seed if she maintains this momentum, with potentially two more wins in London or Berlin boosting her chances.
Katie Boulter, who had held the British No 1 title for two years, exited following a close three‑set loss (2‑6, 6‑3, 6‑2) to Diana Shnaider. Despite the loss, Boulter remains supportive of Raducanu’s rise and looks forward to chasing her again as competition evolves on grass .
Both players have also teamed up in doubles, relishing their camaraderie and exploring new strategic depth through shared playing time .
Raducanu’s performance at Queen’s, on the heels of a return from surgeries on her wrists and ankle last year, signals a promising comeback. She now prepares for a potential showdown with top seed Qinwen Zheng in the quarter‑finals, while Boulter heads to Nottingham seeking to rebuild confidence
Olaniyi Ayoola
Musa
