‘The new Emma’ – positives Raducanu can take from Queen’s to Wimbledon
The New Emma: Lessons from Queen's for Wimbledon
The new Emma - Emma Raducanu's recent Queen's Club final ended in a straight-set defeat to Croatia's Donna Vekic, marking her first loss of the grass-court season. The British number one, who had previously reached the semifinals at Wimbledon, looked visibly subdued after the match, reflecting on her inability to convert a crucial championship point. Despite the setback, Raducanu's performance at Queen's has offered valuable insights for her upcoming challenge at Wimbledon.
A Season of Resilience and Growth
Raducanu's journey to the Queen's final was a testament to her perseverance. After a stop-start season plagued by illness, she chose to play through the clay courts, believing the experience would sharpen her physicality. This decision proved beneficial, as her grass-court form has shown marked improvement. The 23-year-old has navigated four tournaments this year, securing 14 victories out of 17 matches, including the 2021 US Open triumph and this year's Queen's run.
"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," Raducanu said.
Her coach, Andrew Richardson, has played a pivotal role in her development. Rehired for the season, Richardson's traditional methods—focusing on repetition and discipline—have helped Raducanu refine her game. Known for his fiery approach, he challenges players to push their limits, a dynamic that resonates with Raducanu's desire for competitive intensity.
Adapting to Grass: A Natural Fit
The Queen's tournament highlighted how well Raducanu has adapted to grass courts. Unlike clay or hard courts, the surface's lower bounce allows her serve and groundstrokes to gain power, an advantage she's increasingly exploiting. Her movement on the surface remains fluid, and her ability to dictate play has grown significantly. During the second set against Vekic, Richardson's tactical guidance—advocating for aggressive returns—shifted the momentum in her favor.
"I think I'm playing pretty freely, pretty aggressively, but finding the right balance," she said. "I've been returning well, serving pretty well. It's important on grass."
Raducanu's confidence has also been bolstered by the support of her trusted team. On home soil, the presence of fans and friends has created an environment where she can express her style without hesitation. This relaxed demeanor has translated into more consistent play, especially on the grass, where she has achieved her best Slam results to date.
From Doubt to Determination
Questions about Raducanu's mental toughness have lingered since her 2021 US Open success. However, her Queen's performance has addressed some of those concerns. The loss to Vekic, while painful, underscored her capacity to learn from setbacks. "You take all the lessons and experience, all the different ups and downs, and you take everything," she reflected. "You understand a lot more what's going on and what works for you."
Though she hasn't yet claimed a WTA Tour title, Raducanu's two final appearances this year—despite an inconsistent schedule—demonstrate progress. Her ability to maintain focus and adapt her strategy on grass suggests she's on the right path. As Wimbledon approaches, the focus remains on how these experiences will shape her next chapter on the tennis circuit.