'The new Emma' - positives Raducanu can take from Queen's to Wimbledon

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. 'The new Emma' - positives Raducanu can take from Queen's to Wimbledon Figure caption, Vekic beats Raducanu in straight sets to win Queen's titleByJonathan Jurejko Sport tennis news reporter at Queen'sPublished4 minutes agoFor the first time this week, Emma Raducanu sat on her chair and looked forlorn. The British number one had finally succumbed to Croatia's Donna Vekic in a slow-burning Queen's final, unable to save a fifth Championship point and continue a match which she had admirably stoked into a scrap. The 23-year-old has undoubtedly enjoyed a productive week at the quaint club nestled in the Victorian terraces of west London.

But missing out on a first WTA Tour title - and a first trophy since that unforgettable US Open victory in 2021 - still hurt. "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. With Wimbledon around the corner, Sport looks at the positives Raducanu can take from her encouraging start to the grass-court season.

The Details

Raducanu loses Queen's final as trophy wait continues Published4 hours agoPlaying with freedom on a surface that suits her gameWhen Raducanu dissected her French Open first-round exit just three weeks ago in Paris, things looked much bleaker. Skipping the entire clay-court season had been a viable option, considering she had only played four matches in the previous three months because of a viral illness and its after-effects. Instead, Raducanu felt the hours spent on the clay courts - getting time in her legs - would pay dividends when she returned to Britain for the grass season.

Crucially, it meant she did not have to make a standing start under the guidance of Andrew Richardson, the coach who helped Raducanu win the US Open and has been reappointed until the end of the season. Raducanu has long been searching for freedom on the court, playing with a looseness which allows her natural game to flourish. Over the past week at Queen's, Raducanu has found what she is looking for.

Raducanu reached the final without dropping a set and, while she ultimately came up short against Vekic, there was clear evidence of how the grass courts suit her. Firstly, Raducanu's movement on the surface is natural and confident - unlike many of her peers who are brought up playing on clay and hard courts. Secondly, the ball's tendency to have a lower, skiddier bounce on grass means Raducanu's serve and groundstrokes have more punch.

What Experts Say

"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.

" Figure caption, Raducanu thankful for "incredible support" after Queen's final lossAnother familiar face - and playing with a smileRehiring Richardson looks to have been a masterstroke. Under his tuition she has played four tournaments - including the 2021 US Open and this year's Queen's - and won 14 of her 17 matches.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.