Emma Raducanu Loses Queen’s Final to Donna Vekic

Emma Raducanu Loses Queen’s Final to Donna Vekic

June 14, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

Donna Vekic of Croatia defeated British No. 1 Emma Raducanu 6-0, 7-6 (8-6) to win the women’s singles title at Queen’s. According to match records, the world No. 76 earned her first title since 2023, stopping Raducanu from becoming the first British woman to win the event since 1969.

Vekic dominated the opening set 6-0. Raducanu attempted a comeback in the second set, securing a double-break advantage. However, Vekic won four consecutive games to force a tie-break, where she converted her fifth championship point to seal the victory.

Raducanu entered the final after a grueling schedule caused by rain earlier in the tournament. She played two matches on Saturday, defeating Kamilla Rakhimova in the quarter-finals and American sixth seed Iva Jovic in the semi-finals in straight sets.

Did You Know? Emma Raducanu sought to become the first British female winner at Queen’s since Ann Jones achieved the feat in 1969.

Why did Donna Vekic win the Queen’s title?

Vekic benefited from a significantly lighter workload leading into the final. She required only one match, a 6-1 6-3 win over Katie Boulter, to reach the championship round. According to tournament data, Raducanu spent two hours and 19 minutes longer on court the previous day.

Vekic also demonstrated resilience in the second set. She saved two set points in the 10th game before securing the title. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman told Sky Sports News that Vekic is a “quality player” and a 2024 Wimbledon semi-finalist with previous grass-court titles.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Raducanu’s ability to push the second set to a tie-break after a 6-0 first set suggests a mental recovery. Given her recent struggle with a post-viral illness, this competitive resilience may be as significant as the result itself for her upcoming grass-court campaign.

How has the 2026 season impacted Emma Raducanu?

Raducanu has faced a challenging year, including a two-and-a-half-month absence due to a post-viral illness. Since March, she had won only one match prior to her run at Queen’s.

Donna Vekic vs. Emma Raducanu | 2026 London Final | WTA Match Highlights

Despite the loss, Raducanu described the week as “incredible” and praised the support she received in her home city. She told reporters she was proud of how she fought, noting that such persistence is something she hasn’t always shown in past years.

What happens next for Raducanu and Vekic?

Both players are positioned for the upcoming Wimbledon tournament. Raducanu is provisionally ranked 31st, while Vekic is ranked 32nd.

Because of her performance at Queen’s, Raducanu is likely to be seeded for Wimbledon. Tim Henman suggested to Sky Sports News that there is “so much upside” from this week, provided Raducanu continues to build on her controlled, aggressive tennis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the women’s singles final at Queen’s?
Donna Vekic of Croatia won the title with a 6-0, 7-6 (8-6) victory over Emma Raducanu.

How did Donna Vekic enter the main draw?
Vekic entered the tournament as a lucky loser following a defeat in qualifying.

What was the significance of Raducanu’s run?
Raducanu reached the first grass-court final of her career and the third final of her career at the tour level.

Do you think Raducanu’s recent form will lead to a deep run at Wimbledon?