Raducanu Falls Short in Queen’s Final Heartbreak

Emma Raducanu missed the chance to lift her first trophy in nearly five years after being beaten by Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the final of Queen’s.

The 23-year-old got off to a really slow start, losing the opening set 6-0 to Vekic, who reached the Wimbledon semi-final two years ago.

Vekic, who beat Britain’s Katie Boulter in the semi-final, went on to beat Raducanu 7-6 (8-6) in the final set to lift the Queen’s trophy on the Andy Murray Court.

The 29-year-old came into the tournament as a lucky loser – meaning she was beaten in qualifying and put into the draw when French Open semi-finalist Marta Kostyuk pulled out injured – and has taken full advantage of her fortune to lift the trophy.

“Right now, it obviously really stings, so I’m just going to try and let myself feel it today – but try and get over it pretty quick,” said Raducanu.

The British number one showed a great deal of grit to move a double break ahead in the second set, but failed twice to serve out victory.

“I haven’t really played much this season, but to think I have made two finals so far, which I haven’t done in years, it has to be, in a way, celebrated,” said Raducanu, who lost in the Cluj final in February.

“Of course, fatigue – you’re not driving up as much for your serve, which is such a big thing on grass.

“It’s just been an amazing week, but it’s also been a long week, waiting around and some long days.

“It’s a good achievement for me, and I’m proud of it.”