Queen’s 2026: Emma Raducanu lost to Donna Vekic in women’s final

Emma Raducanu paid the price for a slow start when she lost to Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the queen’s final.

Raducanu, 23, lost 6-0 7-6 (8-6) to Vecic – a Wimbledon semi-final two years ago – and is still without a title since the 2021 US Open.

Raducanu bravely fought back three championship points at 6-5 in the second set – and saved a fourth in the final on Vikic’s serve – but she was unable to deny her opponent in the fifth when she sent a forehand wide.

The 29-year-old Vekic was a lucky loser – meaning she lost in the qualifiers and French Open semi-finalist Marta Kostyuk pulled out injured – but she took full advantage of her fortunes and won the title.

Radukanu, ranked 42nd in the world, appeared to be hampered by leg issues as Vekic took the first set in half an hour.

The British number one rallied impressively to take a double break lead in the second set, but twice fell short.

Vekic, ranked 72nd but skilled on grass, is a seasoned campaigner and held her nerve in step.

Both players looked tired from the physical contact, but Raducanu – accompanied by a loud cheer – dug deep to force a tiebreak.

Despite the defeat, Raducanu has a lot of pride on the British grass from an encouraging week in the build-up to Wimbledon.

Her ranking points put her on the brink of the world’s top 30, enough to ensure she is seeded at the All England Club.

“What a week – it was an unbelievable week for me to get to the finals,” Raducanu said.

“Donna played well from start to finish.”