Emma Raducanu battles into Queen’s semi-finals despite injury scare
Emma Raducanu Overcomes Setback to Reach Queen’s Championships Semi-Finals
Emma Raducanu battles into Queen s semi - Emma Raducanu’s journey to the Queen’s Championships semi-finals has been marked by resilience and determination, as the British star navigated a challenging quarter-final against Kamilla Rakhimova. Despite a minor injury concern during the match, Raducanu’s perseverance paid off, securing her place in the last four and setting the stage for a crucial encounter against American teenager Iva Jovic on Saturday.
A Tense Match Amid Weather Delays
The quarter-final, originally scheduled earlier in the week, was postponed due to heavy rainfall in west London. Raducanu, the reigning British number one, faced Uzbek player Kamilla Rakhimova in a hard-fought battle that ended with a 6-3, 7-5 victory. The match’s delay added an extra layer of complexity, but Raducanu’s focus remained unwavering as she edged past her opponent in a display of composure and skill.
"It was a match of ups and downs, and I’m really grateful for the support I had during some really tough moments. Closing out that second set felt like a major milestone,"
Raducanu reflected on the victory, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges she faced. Her triumph not only solidified her spot in the semi-finals but also positioned her to compete alongside fellow British player Katie Boulter, who recently advanced to the last four after a standout win over world No. 2 Elena Rybakina.
The Drama of the Queen’s Tournament
With the semi-finals set for Saturday, Raducanu will have to play two matches in a single day. The first of these, against Rakhimova, was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts and unexpected interruptions. The match saw Raducanu battling through a medical timeout in the second set after slipping on the grass, an issue that has plagued several players this week, including Canada’s Victoria Mboko, who is now sidelined for the remainder of the grass-court season.
Raducanu returned to the court with strapping applied to her left thigh, a precaution following the slip. Though she initially struggled with the lingering fear of re-injuring herself, she gradually regained her footing. The British player’s ability to adapt under pressure was evident, particularly during a dramatic moment when the King’s birthday flypast disrupted play for several minutes. Despite the chaos, Raducanu remained calm, even sharing a laugh with the crowd as the Red Arrows soared overhead.
"Right now it’s a mix of adrenaline. It was tough to take that slip, especially when I was in a good position. On grass, these things can happen, but I’m proud of how I managed to push through,"
The interruption, which lasted about five minutes, was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Queen’s tournament. Raducanu’s performance during this moment showcased her mental toughness, as she quickly refocused and continued her bid for victory. The match points came in the final moments, with Raducanu needing three crucial points to clinch the second set and advance.
A Comeback Story
Raducanu’s path to the semi-finals is a testament to her ability to rebound from adversity. Earlier this season, she had missed two and a half months of tennis due to a post-viral illness, which disrupted her momentum. However, her return to competitive form has been steady, and this latest victory marks her best performance on grass since her breakthrough at the Washington 2025 event.
Though her early exit at the French Open was a setback, Raducanu has since demonstrated her readiness to compete at the highest level. Her success in the Queen’s tournament underscores her growth as a player, with the semi-finals representing a significant achievement. The British number one’s journey is also symbolic, as it highlights the resurgence of homegrown talent in the sport.
The Significance of a Dual British Presence
The semi-finals will feature two British players, a rare and exciting development for the tournament. Raducanu expressed her excitement about this milestone, emphasizing the joy of competing on grass. “We all love playing on the grass, and it shows—me and Katie are in the semis, and we even play doubles here,” she said, underscoring the pride she feels for her country’s tennis community.
Katie Boulter’s recent win over Rybakina, the world No. 2 and Australian Open champion, added to the anticipation. Raducanu extended her congratulations to Boulter, hopeful that both players could achieve success in the semi-finals. “It’s great to see her in the last four. I’m wishing her well and hoping I can do the same,” she added, reflecting on the camaraderie within the British contingent.
Struggles and Triumphs on the Court
Raducanu’s match against Rakhimova was not without its difficulties. The game began with a mix of nerves and determination, as she opened with an ace but then faced a challenging stretch after three consecutive double-faults. Despite this, she managed to hold her serve and break her opponent’s in the first opportunity, setting a positive tone for the rest of the match.
Rakhimova, however, quickly responded, breaking back immediately and leveling the set at two games apiece. The turning point came in the fifth game when Raducanu was up 40-0, only to have play paused for the flypast. The disruption tested her focus, but she used the moment to reset her mindset. “It’s definitely going to be the Red Arrows at some point,” the umpire informed the crowd, though the timing of the spectacle added an unusual twist to the match.
After the flypast, Raducanu’s resolve shone through as she held Rakhimova to love, taking a crucial break in the second set. The momentum shifted dramatically when Rakhimova managed to reduce the deficit, prompting Raducanu to call for a medical timeout. With strapping on her thigh, she rallied to save three break points before a double-fault handed Rakhimova the chance to reclaim the set. The Canadian player seized the opportunity, bringing the match back to a tie.
Rebuilding Confidence and Momentum
As the set reached 4-3 in favor of Rakhimova, Raducanu’s focus intensified. She quickly rebounded, holding serve to level the match and demonstrating her ability to recover from setbacks. The ninth game proved particularly difficult, but her resilience was key in securing the lead once more. In the end, Raducanu’s tactical awareness and mental fortitude saw her through, with a well-timed serve and a series of strategic points ensuring her victory.
The semi-final against Iva Jovic will be Raducanu’s next test, with the young American player presenting a formidable challenge. The British star’s performance in this match will be critical in determining her path to the final. As the tournament progresses, Raducanu’s ability to adapt and overcome will continue to be a focal point of her journey this year.
Her victory in the quarter-final is a clear indicator of her readiness to compete at the highest level. Despite the early slip and the interruptions, Raducanu’s determination and skill have carried her to the semi-finals, a milestone that will be celebrated by fans and analysts alike. The British player’s story is one of perseverance, and her continued progress in the Queen’s Championships is a sign of her growing confidence and maturity on the grass.
As the tournament moves forward, Raducanu’s focus remains on the next challenge. The semi-finals will be a test of her ability to maintain her momentum, and her performance will be closely watched by tennis enthusiasts. With two British players in the last four, the Queen’s Championships is set for an exciting run, and Raducanu’s journey is a highlight of this year’s competition.