Emma Raducanu is set to reclaim her position as the top female tennis player in Britain for the first time in two years after a strong performance at Queen’s, where she triumphed over Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova with a score of 6-4, 6-1, advancing to the quarter-finals. Raducanu now ranks world No. 35, and with Katie Boulter’s recent loss to fifth seed Diana Shnaider, she will ascend to British No. 1 next week.
Raducanu’s journey back to the top has been marked by resilience, having spent eight months recovering from surgeries on her wrists and ankle. “It’s nice, but I wouldn’t say it’s the most important thing for me,” she reflected on regaining the top ranking. Her competitive spirit remains strong as she acknowledges the healthy rivalry with Boulter, saying, “I want to see her do well; she wants to see me do well.”
In her match against Sramkova, Raducanu showcased her returning skills, immediately gaining an early lead before facing a brief disruption in momentum. However, she regained control and secured the match convincingly, demonstrating her solid form on the grass courts.
This week’s success comes despite ongoing issues with back spasms, which had previously tested her preparations. Nevertheless, her performances have indicated she is in good shape. Notably, she has enjoyed playing doubles alongside Boulter, which bodes well for her overall fitness and strategy.
In the next round, Raducanu will face top seed Zheng Qinwen, who has shown her own resilience by winning a challenging three-set match. This matchup will serve as an important test for Raducanu’s current level of play.
Earlier in the tournament, Boulter commented on Raducanu’s return to British No. 1, expressing excitement about the friendly rivalry. “Now it’s kind of my turn,” she said, highlighting the positive competitive atmosphere between them.
Raducanu’s comeback story continues to inspire her fans as she navigates the challenges of returning to elite competition. The support from her coaches, including Mark Petchey and her previous coach Nick Cavaday, underscores the important role of teamwork in her journey. The future looks promising as she embraces her role and the challenges ahead, celebrating her accomplishments while looking to further strengthen her game on the court.