Raducanu, Boulter score home wins at Queen’s

Emma Raducanu won her first match since March on Tuesday, stepping onto the home grass with a victory to reach the second round at Queens club.

The former Grand Slam champion was joined by compatriot Katie Boulter, who went through a sleepless night on Monday, trailing Leylah Fernandez, but coming back on Tuesday to fight back for a 3-6, 7-6 (4), 7-5 defeat of the Canadian, a US Open runner-up to Raducanu in 2021.

Raducanu defeated Anna Blinkova 6-0, 6-3 to boost her morale after another period of poor results, injuries and illness.

The Briton swept the first eight games against qualifier Blinkova to regain her groove on her surface of choice.

“I’m so happy to have come through that match. To be back here playing at Queen’s… I haven’t actually won a match for a few months,” she said.

“There isn’t a place I would rather have done it. I’m really grateful for all the support.

“I’m doing the best I can each day. Being part of the atmosphere is something that I really enjoy – I don’t see it as added pressure, I really thrive off it. I’m just happy to be back.”

The 42nd-ranked Brit had only two matches on clay and was able to escape to Britain for grass practice after a first-round defeat at Roland Garros.

The 2025 quarter-finalist escaped after four straight service breaks in the second set and went on to serve out victory on her second match point.

Boulter and Fernandez returned to the grass on Tuesday after wet conditions forced a halt the night before with the Canadian ahead 6-3, 3-all..

Boulter was broken to start the resumption but fought through the third set after losing a 4-2 lead.

The No. 73 served an ace to break her opponent for a 5-3 lead and advanced a game later on her first chance against the eighth seed.

“Thank god the clay is over,” the winner said. “I’m pleased with how I came back in this match, I was a step slow yesterday.

“It’s tough to sleep with an unfinished match, but I got a few hours. I managed to play some good stuff at the end.

“I’m very happy to be in the second round. Emma did a good job (with her win) I just tried to keep up the momentum.

“I struggle on the clay but now I’m at home on the grass and grateful to have another year.”

Photos:- Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter winning at Queens by Mark Greenwood/ISF Ltd