Raducanu shakes off thigh injury to reach Queen’s semis

Emma Raducanu booked a semi-final at Queen’s club on Saturday, overcoming a right thigh injury to hold on for a 6-3, 7-5 defeat of Uzbek Kamilla Rakhimova.

 The crowd favourite had to leave the grass court while leading a set and a break over the lucky loser from qualifying after slipping and falling on her leg.

The off-court medical timeout resulted in a strapping and a loss of confidence.

The No. 42 who retreated to the grass after a first-round defeat at Roland Garros lost the next three games before regaining equilibrium, breaking for 6-5 and serving out the win on second match point.

The quarter-final had been due for Friday, but was postponed by weather and a lack of light. A nervous Raduucanu began the delayed start with three straight double-faults before settling in.  

The 2021 US Open champion from suburban London now faces a second match,taking on Iva Jovic for a place in the final.

British fans were dreaming of a miracle, with local Katie Boulter taking on Croat Donna Vekic in a semi-final to be followed by Raducanu redux.

With so few matches this sparse season in her legs, Raducanu was facing a fitness challenge.

“The match was up and down. I had support in some really tough moments in closing it out,” Raducanu said.

“It was tough to regroup after the fall, but I’m proud that I did that in the end.”

The Brit added: “I’m wishing Katie well in her match and hoping that I can do the same.”

Main photo:- Emma Raducanu celebrates win – by Mark Greenwood/ISF Ltd