Emma Raducanu faces qualifier on Queen’s debut after avoiding Elena Rybakina
Emma Raducanu will face an unseeded qualifier in the opening round of her Queen’s Club debut, having been placed in the opposite half of the draw to world number two Elena Rybakina.
The Briton enters the London grass-court event seeking momentum after suffering a first-round exit at the French Open against Argentina’s Solana Sierra.
To prepare for the demanding grass swing, the former US Open champion has reunited with coach Andrew Richardson.
Richardson famously guided the sensational teenager to her landmark Flushing Meadows triumph in 2021.
Boulter faces tough path
Fellow British player Katie Boulter has also received a wildcard entry for the prestigious West London tournament.
The home favourite faces a challenging opening test against eighth seed Leylah Fernandez.
If successful, Boulter remains on a collision course to meet the formidable Rybakina in the third round.
The draw features significant depth across the board, with world number six Amanda Anisimova and ninth-ranked Victoria Mboko also joining the elite field.
Historic return to West London
This year marks only the second occasion the women’s HSBC Championships will be held following a 52-year absence from the WTA calendar.
German qualifier Tatjana Maria claimed the title upon the tournament’s triumphant revival in 2025.
The event serves as vital preparation for Wimbledon, effectively kicking off the British grass-court season just up the road from SW19.
Main draw singles action gets under way on June 8, culminating in the showpiece final on June 14.