Emma Raducanu targets Wimbledon glory after strong run to Queen’s final
British number one Emma Raducanu is targeting a deep run at Wimbledon following an impressive streak to the HSBC Championships final at Queen’s Club.
The 23-year-old will arrive at the All England Club well rested after opting to skip the Eastbourne International to focus on grass-court practice.
Her resurgence in west London marked her most successful tour event since her historic 2021 US Open victory.
Overcoming illness and finding form
The first half of 2026 proved challenging for the former Grand Slam champion, who suffered a severe post-viral illness.
That setback forced her to miss major tournaments in Miami, Madrid, and Rome, leaving her with just one victory since March.
She subsequently suffered a first-round exit at the French Open following an error-strewn display against Argentina’s Solana Sierra.
However, the lightning-fast baseliner played outstanding, aggressive tennis at Queen’s, reaching the final without dropping a set before a dramatic three-set defeat to Donna Vekic.
Reunion with Richardson brings stability
In a significant move ahead of the grass-court major, the British star has reunited with Andrew Richardson, the coach who guided her to triumph in New York.
This renewed collaboration brings welcome stability after going through a steady stream of coaches over the past four years.
The 30th seed believes this fresh mindset and familiar setup are already paying dividends.
“I think the way I was feeling on the court, the way I was moving, the way I was expressing myself, I really enjoyed it.”
The returning prodigy said after her opening Queen’s Club victory over Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova.
“I think that’s something that I want to take forward in all of my matches and really embrace this grass court season.”
The ‘new Emma’ emerges
After defeating Iva Jovic to secure her place in the final, the home favourite emphasised the importance of enjoying her tennis.
“When I’m smiling and enjoying it, that’s when I feel the best level can kind of flow out from there, rather than trying to put me in any type of mould.”
She believes she has evolved significantly since her breakthrough triumph as a teenager.
“I think it’s the ‘new Emma’, because you take all the lessons and experience, all the different ups and downs, and you understand a lot more of what’s going on and what works for you.”
“I’m back and better.”
Having pushed world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling third-round encounter at SW19 last year, expectations will be high as she returns to her home courts.
