Emma Raducanu consolidated her return to British No 1 for the first time in two years with a convincing straight-sets win over Rebecca Sramkova to reach the Queen’s Club quarter-finals.
Sramkova, who was born with only one functioning eye, struggled to get herself into the game against the impressive form of Raducanu, who claimed a 6-4, 6-1 win.
It was a case of revenge for the Briton, after Sramkova played a key role in knocking Great Britain out of the Billie Jean King Cup finals in November last year.
On that occasion she got the better of Raducanu’s ‘Boultercanu’ doubles partner Katie Boulter, but at Queen’s she was left floundering on court and at one point put her head in her hands as another shot flew wide.
It was Boulter’s three-sets loss to world No 10 Diana Shnaider that confirmed Raducanu would finish the tournament as the new British No 1, before she had even taken to court in the late afternoon on Thursday.
“It’s nice, but I wouldn’t say it’s the most important thing for me,” Raducanu admitted when asked about re-taking the top spot nationally.
“I think having Katie in front, it was nice for me to have something to chase. Now I’m sure she’s going to enjoy that with me.
“We have a healthy competition between us two. I want to see her do well; she wants to see me do well.”
It was a ruthless display at times from Raducanu, who stormed to a 5-0 lead in the first set with a devastating combination of sliced long backhands and powerful top spin, she just had an answer to everything Sramkova tried.
At one point it looked as though Raducanu would claim the first set inside half an hour, but Sramkova fought back to take four games in a row as the Briton began to let errors creep into her own performance including a couple of wild mishits.
After a break off court between the sets, Raducanu never looked back, winning more than 65 per cent of points in the second set, and a touch over 72 per cent on her serve.
Despite admitting it was not her “cleanest” performance, Raducanu has not dropped a set at Queen’s en route to the quarter-finals.
Should Raducanu win her quarter-final it would give her chance of securing a coveted seeding place at Wimbledon a significant boost. The top 32 players in the world in the tournament are given a seed, which ensures they do not come up against a high ranking opponent in the early rounds, but before Wimbledon’s seeds are confirmed, there are crucial points on offer in Berlin next week.
Boulter’s 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 defeat to Shnaider had ensured the position she held for the last couple of years had been relinquished, but it does not seem to faze her.
“I’m very happy for her to be British No 1,” Boulter said when asked about the shuffle at the top.
“But at the same time, it’s going to be fun for me to chase her now, and I think she’s been doing that for a while. Now it’s kind of my turn.”
In her opening match of the grass court season against Ajla Tomljanovic at Queen’s, Boulter enjoyed a blistering start to take the opening set, then faltered in the second and managed to hold out.
Against Shnaider it was a similar story. Boulter utilised the drop shot cleverly and landed most of her first serves to take the set 6-2, but from that moment on she struggled to string points together with the same impact.
In both matches at Queen’s Boulter conceded nine double faults, and her serve was a particular cause for concern, after an impressive opener, in the next two sets she landed less than 50 per cent of her first serves.
Far too often the ball toss was not right and Boulter was left uttering “sorry” to her opponent for the delay, despite the lack of breeze in the humid conditions of the Andy Murray Arena.
It was her second defeat in as many days after her and Raducanu’s doubles partnership came to an end with a straight sets defeat to the experienced duo of Erin Routliffe and Lyudmyla Kichenok. Boulter did not rule out reforming the pairing with Raducanu, but smiled as she said it was not on the cards for Wimbledon.
Both Boulter and Raducanu have been prominent voices concerning security measures at major events, with Wimbledon having committed to higher security for athletes in 2025.
The latest measure is welcomed by the players, with Raducanu acknowledging: “I think feeling safe, feeling secure is extremely important. I think, you know, playing at home, there is heightened tension.
“But for me, whenever I played at Wimbledon, I felt very well protected, very safe. I’m looking forward to going there, and I don’t think I will feel much of a difference.”
In between Boulter and Raducanu’s match, Heather Watson was beaten in straight sets by world number 11 Elena Rybakina 6-4, 6-2, after beating a player ranked 137 places above her in the opening round.
05:53 PM BST
Thanks for joining us
That brings our coverage of the second round at the HSBC Championships to an end, as Emma Raducanu progressed through to the quarter-finals at Queen’s Club.
It wasn’t to be for the other Brits in action today, with Katie Boulter and Heather Watson both losing out on the Andy Murray Arena.
Thanks for joining us!
05:50 PM BST
Raducanu: ‘Pleased to push through the tight moments’
Speaking on court, Emma Raducanu said: “I am really pleased to get through that. I don’t think it was my cleanest performance but I am really pleased to push through in the tight moments. I really appreciate the support in that spell when she was coming back.
“I came out ready, expecting everything I am just happy I was able to get off to a good start and build a lead.”
On potentially pairing with Katie Boulter again for doubles, she said: “Honestly it was a real challenge for me today. I am not used to playing doubles and I was really upset and really felt I was out of the tournament so it was difficult to fire myself up for this.
“I’d really like to play with Katie again in the future.”
05:48 PM BST
Raducanu ‘timing the ball beautifully’
Speaking on BBC, Former British number one Anne Keothavong said: “Aside from a little hiccup in trying to close out the first set, I think Emma should be pretty pleased with this performance.
“She seems to be timing the ball beautifully on the grass court and is moving very well.”
05:46 PM BST
Up next
Raducanu will take on either Zheng Qinwen or McCartney Kessler in the quarter-finals. Victory in the last eight would set up a tie against either Emma Vavarro or Amanda Anisimova.
05:43 PM BST
‘Long live BoulterCanu’ – Raducanu’s latest message
Raducanu signs the camera once again, as she did after her first match, and leaves the message: “Long live BoulterCanu,” in reference to her recent doubles partnership with fellow Brit Katie Boulter.
05:41 PM BST
Raducanu takes victory with dominant second set
A delightful passing shot from Raducanu sees her take the lead in this game, but an equally impressive forehand down the line draws Sramkova level.
The Slovak goes for the serve and volley for the first time in the match but can’t control the latter part and it drifts long.
She makes an ace with her second serve on the next point, before showing great defence at the net to go 40-30 up.
But Sramkova drags her forehand long to make it deuce before finding the net on the next point to set up a match point for Raducanu.
A big serve gets her out of trouble this time but Raducanu then hammers a forehand down the line from a second serve to earn a second match point.
The 22-year-old seizes on another second serve with a fierce backhand down the line, which proves too much from Sramkova and the Brit is into the quarter-finals!
05:35 PM BST
Raducanu* 6-4, 5-1 Sramkova
Raducanu’s serve has been a key factor today and it earns her another easy point as Sramkova fails to make the return.
The Slovak can dominate the next point but once again, sends a return of serve long. 30-15 to the Brit.
Sramkova attempts the lob with Raducanu at the net but it drifts long before the Brit makes a superb crosscourt backhand to seal this game.
The 22-year-old is now just one game from victory.
05:31 PM BST
Raducanu 6-4, 4-1 Sramkova*
Raducanu is enjoying herself now as she comes into the net to retrieve the drop-shot before reading the passing shot to make the volley.
Sramkova goes long on the next point and it feels like the writing is on the wall somewhat. But we thought that in the first set too.
The Slovak pushes another forehand wide so three more break points for Raducanu. Sramkova pulls a fabulous passing shot out of the bag, though, so back to 15-40.
A crushing crosscourt backhand makes its 30-40 before Raducanu snatches at a backhand from the second serve, so it’s all level at deuce.
The Brit sends her next return long, again from the second serve, and fails to return the subsequent first serve so Sramkova has a game on the board in this second set. Great character to come back from 0-40 down.
05:26 PM BST
Raducanu* 6-4, 4-0 Sramkova
Raducanu hustles superbly to nearly make the passing shot but it drifts just long. She draws level on the next point, though, volleying home at the net. 15-15.
Sramkova scuffs her return of serve to go 30-15 down but gets a bit of luck as her next return catches the top of the net and lands in Raducanu’s half of the court.
The Slovak pushes a backhand long after getting herself into the next point but Raducanu catches one with the outside of the frame, so it’s all square at deuce.
A powerful serve out wide can only be returned into the net and it’s the same story from the next serve, so another hold from Raducanu and she lets out a smile.
05:20 PM BST
Raducanu 6-4, 3-0 Sramkova*
The mistakes are becoming more frequent from Sramkova now and she sends another shot long of the baseline before catching the top of the net with an approach shot.
Raducanu can’t get her return of serve over the net so it’s back to 15-30. The Brit pummels a backhand on her next return, though, which is too much for her opponent so another couple of break points.
The Slovak comes to the net as she looks to defend the first of the break points but slices a volley wide and Raducanu has the double-break!
05:17 PM BST
Raducanu 6-4, 2-0 Sramkova*
Sramkova has just gone off the boil here, and her body language is reflecting that. She looks disappointed to see a shot from the baseline go long before throwing her hands in the air as she finds the net on the next point.
She is on top during the next rally but sends a drop-shot into the net and buries her face in her palm. It’s better from the Slovak on the next point with a powerful backhand into the corner proving too much for Raducanu. 40-15.
A backhand sails beyond the baseline though so it’s 2-0 to the Brit. The hands are thrown in the air once again.
05:13 PM BST
Raducanu 6-4, 1-0 Sramkova*
Raducanu appears to have taken confidence form that final game of the first set, winning the first couple of points of the second with her opponent sending groundstrokes long.
Raducanu sees one of her own drift long but a double-fault follows from the Slovak so a couple of early break points for the home favourite.
Sramkova crashes a backhand into the net so Raducanu does have the early break once again. The momentum is certainly back with the 22-year-old.
05:09 PM BST
At stake for the winner
The winner of this match will take on either Zheng or Kessler in the last eight.
05:07 PM BST
Rollercoaster first set
What a rollercoaster of a first set!
It is not clear what happened to Raducanu during those middle games, but it rare to see someone come out firing and slide so quickly to lose four games in a row.
The fist pumps and yells in the final game of the opener showed just how much Raducanu is getting herself up for this. But which form will she take into the second?
05:06 PM BST
Raducanu eventually seals first set after Sramkova fightback
Huge pressure on Raducanu now with this service game. What has she got?
A ground-stroke into the net from Sramkova will help to settle the nerves of the home favourite. As will the long ground-stroke during the next point. 30-0 to the Brit.
She gobbles up the next point with a superb forehand winner into the corner to create three set points.
Sramkova’s return catches the top of the net and lands just the wrong side of the line so Raducanu – eventually – has this first set wrapped up.
The 22-year-old showed great nerve in that final service game, having lost four games on the spin.
05:01 PM BST
Raducanu 5-4 Sramkova*
These are really testing moments for Raducanu, how can she respond? All the momentum is with her opponent at the moment.
She will take that though – a double-fault to start the next game from Sramkova. The Slovak catches the line with her next one though and it creates an awkward bounce, causing Raducanu to miss the ball completely. 15-15.
The Brit slams a backhand down the line though with her next return to go 15-30 up. A big second serve from Sramkova on the next point forces Raducanu to find the net with her return.
The brit then drags a forehand wind to go 40-30 down, before Sramkova seals the game with a delightful backhand drop-shot.
04:58 PM BST
Raducanu* 5-3 Sramkova
So, can Raducanu serve out this first set? She’s looked somewhat rattled in these last few moments and starts this next game with a couple of wayward strokes to go 0-30 down.
A big serve forces the mistake from Sramkova to halve the deficit in this game but the Slovak does seem to be getting on top here and dominates the next point to earn another couple of break points.
Another big serve from the Brit saves the first of the break points but Sramkova gets really fortunate on the second as her forehand clips the top of the net and lands in the corner!
04:53 PM BST
Raducanu 5-2 Sramkova*
A couple of wayward shots from either play see this next game go to 15-15. The Slovak sends another forehand long so another glimmer of a chance here for Raducanu.
The Brit drags a backhand wide though before pushing one long on the next point, so Sramkova goes 40-30 up.
A return of serve from Raducanu goes long and the Slovak has her first hold of serve of the match. Can Raducanu wrap things up in this next game?
04:50 PM BST
Raducanu* 5-1 Sramkova
A wild backhand from Sramkova at the start of this next game sees Raducanu take a 15-0 lead, as she looks to serve for this opening set. The Brit produces a double-fault, though, so all square again.
Raducanu gets incredibly lucky on the next point as her forehand catches the net, dribbles over and lands right on the line. Sramkova can’t believe it.
Sramkova sends a groundstroke long and the Brit has two set points.
But her opponent sends a crushing backhand down the line during the next point which proves too much, before setting up the smash on the second set point, so it’s back to deuce.
Raducanu pushes a backhand wide and she is suddenly facing a break point. The Brit then sends a forehand wide and the Slovak has a break back!
04:42 PM BST
Raducanu 5-0 Sramkova*
Sramkova starts the next game with a double-fault before sending a groundstroke long and it’s 0-30 to Raducanu.
The Brit tucks the next point away at the net before producing a powerful return of serve that forces the error and it’s a break to love!
04:40 PM BST
Raducanu* 4-0 Sramkova
Raducanu looks to set to take the first point of this game after setting up the chance for a winner, but Sramkova reads it well and hits a winner of her own with the subsequent shot.
A couple of strong returns from the Slovak on the next couple of points and suddenly Raducanu is facing three break points.
Three wayward returns of serve, though, and the Brit has clawed it back to deuce. Another long return followed by a powerful forehand and Raducanu holds superbly.
04:37 PM BST
Raducanu looking focused
Emma Raducanu said after her confident and convincing opening round win over Cristina Bucsa that she was “locked in” – and it appears she has taken that focus into the second round against Rebecca Sramkova.
Raducanu has hardly put a foot wrong in the opening games, showing a willingness to come to the net, while changing up the spin cleverly between slice and topspin to come out on top.
04:34 PM BST
Raducanu 3-0 Sramkova*
Raducanu gobbles up a second serve before hitting a superb winner into the corner to take the lead in this game. The Brit is hitting the ball really sweetly at the start of this match and she dominates the next point to go0-30 up.
A double-fault follows and it’s three break points for Raducanu. The 22-year-old looks to seal this third game with an aggressive backhand return but she drags it slightly wide.
Sramkova drags a forehand wide, though, and Raducanu has the double-break.
04:30 PM BST
Raducanu* 2-0 Sramkova
Radudcanu goes 15-0 up as her opponent wraps a forehand long but things are levelled as Sramkova dominates the second point before slicing a backhand behind Raducanu.
A powerful serve allows the Brit to restore her lead before she sends a strong forehand into the corner to gain two game points.
A somewhat scuffed backhand makes it 40-30 but a wayward return from Sramkova sees Raducanu seal her first service game.
04:27 PM BST
Raducanu 1-0 Sramkova* (*denotes server)
So we are underway on the Andy Murray Arena with the Slovak serving first. It’s Raducanu who takes the first point as her opponent finds the net form the baseline.
The Brit then produces a sensational crosscourt backhand winner on her return of serve to go 0-30 up. She goes for the aggressive return once again on the next point, but finds the net.
Sramkova balloons a forehand long and there are a pair of early break points for Raducanu. The Slovak saves the first one with a passing short beyond Raducanu who had come into the net.
But she can’t save the second as Raducanu dominates the point before tucking it away with a volley at the net. The perfect start!
04:23 PM BST
Watson beaten by Rybakina
Heather Watson’s Queen’s journey has come to an end as she lost in straight sets to world No 11 Elena Rybakina.
Watson started well and at one point had two break points to try to stay in the first set, but Rybakina showed her skill on the surface to win 6-4, 6-2 against the former British No 1.
Watson had impressed in the opening round, where she beat a player ranked 137 places above her.
04:22 PM BST
‘I just need to be free and expressive’ – Raducanu on showing personality
Speaking after her first-round win on Tuesday, Raducanu said: “Going on to the court laughing at certain shots, or I’m smiling if I have pulled off a great shot, it does help relax you.
“I play my best when my personality is put on the court and I can express myself, and I feel like sometimes when I’ve been constrained to play a certain way, it hasn’t necessarily worked.
“I just need to be free and expressive, and then certain moments of creativity can come up.”
04:20 PM BST
Women’s tennis returns to Queens
Raducanu’s first-round triumph this week came in her first singles appearance at Queen’s, with the tournament marking the return of women’s tennis to the London venue for the first time since 1973.
The 22-year-old had already begun her doubles campaign at that stage, alongside British No 1 Katie Boulter, but the pair were knocked out in the second round on Wednesday, as they lost to top seeds Lyudmyla Kichenok and Erin Routliffe in straight sets.
04:18 PM BST
Raducanu out on court
Raducanu has emerged on court on the Andy Murray Arena so we will be getting underway shortly.
The 22-year-old knows she will be going to British No 1 at the end of the tournament after Katie Boulter’s defeat earlier today but can she get into the quarter-finals here at Queen’s?
04:16 PM BST
Raducanu’s upturn in results since Petchey partnership
Tuesday’s lightning-quick victory continued an upward trajectory in results for Raducanu, after a slow start to the year. The 22-year-old had won just three matches in her opening six tournaments of the campaign, but since then, she has reached the quarter-finals of the Miami Open, the fourth round at the Italian Open and established a place in the world’s top 40.
This upturn in form has coincided with Raducanu working alongside Mark Petchey, a former coach of Murray, having won 11 of the 16 games she has played since the pair came together on a casual basis in March.
The 22-year-old has confirmed she will continue to work with Petchey for the grasscourt season, as well as childhood coach Nick Cavaday, who stepped back in January for health reasons.
04:14 PM BST
Raducanu up next
Attention now turns to Emma Raducanu, who is looking to build on her strong start to the grass-court season as she takes on Rebecca Sramkova of Slovakia on the Andy Murray Arena.
The British No 2 kicked her off her singles tournament on Tuesday with a confidence-boosting straight-sets victory over Cristina Bucsa of Spain, winning 6-1, 6-2 in little over an hour. Her opponent this afternoon will also have a spring in her step, though, having knocked out the current Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets.
04:12 PM BST
Rybakina ‘happy’ with first match on grass
Speaking on court, Elena Rybakina has said: “It was a tough match, she’s playing really well and also it’s (my) first match on grass, so I was really excited and pretty happy with game, especially in the second set, I was feeling better and better on the court.”
On being able to play at Queen’s, she said: “Its a really nice place, I enjoy my time here, really happy that we’re abler to play here. It’s a really nice club with a lot of tradition so I think it’s really cool for us to play.”
04:07 PM BST
Watson beaten by Rybakina
So Rybakina is serving for the match. A powerful serve out wide is returned into the net from Watson but Rybakina then produces just her second double-fault of the match.
The damage is limited, though, as she pulls out an ace on the next point. But an attacking return from Watson causes her problems so it’s 30-30.
The Kazakh then finds the net and Watson has a break point! The Brit can’t deal with the powerful serve though, so it’s deuce.
Watson earns another break point, but again, Rybakina finds a big serve when needed, making her second ace of the match. She follows it up with her third ace of the match to set up match point but another groundstroke finds the net so we’re at deuce once again.
Another aggressive return from Watson forces the error from Rybakina so a third break point for the Brit in this game. She gets on top in the rally but sends a backhand into the net so the chance goes again.
But another double-fault brings another break-point. It’s saved again by the Kazakh as she crushes a forehand into the corner.
Would you believe it? A forehand from Rybakina goes wide so it’s a fifth break point for the Brit. But you guessed it, it’s saved by a massive crosscourt forehand.
A powerful body serve sets up an easy winner for the 25-year-old, which in turn sets up a match point and it’s taken with a delicate forehand slice into the corner.
03:56 PM BST
Rybakina 6-4, 5-2 Watson*
Rybakina pushes a return long from Watson’s second serve but catches the line with a sensational crosscourt backhand on the next point. 15-15.
Watson nearly sits down as she looks to deal with a powerful forehand into her body but she can only send her backhand wide. She then finds the net with a backhand on the next point and Rybakina has two break points.
It’s a great point from the Brit, though, with a crushing forehand down the line setting up the backhand winner on the next shot.
But she can’t save the next break point after a powerful crosscourt forehand from Rybakina, who will serve for the match.
03:52 PM BST
Rybakina* 6-4, 4-2 Watson
Rybakina starts her next service game with an ace out wide. She can’t quite control an awkward volley at the net, though, so back to 15-15.
The Kazakh then drags a backhand wide and she doesn’t look to happy with that one as she falls behind in this game. She responds with a tidy forehand into the corner though to level it at 30-30.
Watson looks to pounce on an inviting second serve with an attempted backhand winner but she finds the net. A missed opportunity for the Brit and she’s made to pay for it as Rybakina wraps things up on the next point.
03:47 PM BST
Rybakina 6-4, 3-2 Watson*
Watson continues the theme as a couple of strong serves from the Brit can only be returned into the net.
The pattern is finally broken though as Rubakina reads the serve down the middle and makes a powerful return, forcing Watson to go long with her forehand.
Back to normal, though, as Watson’s serve can’t be returned by the Kazakh. 40-15.
Watson sends a good serve out wide but her opponent stretches out to crush a forehand down the line, which catches the edge of the paint.
The pair engage in a lengthy rally of ground strokes and it’s the 25-year-old whose power comes out on top, with a fierce forehand into the corner proving the crucial shot, so it’s deuce.
Another longer point on the next one, but it’s Watson who comes out on top this time as she pulls off a clever backhand drop shot.
A powerful serve is unreturned and it’s a crucial hold for the Brit.
03:42 PM BST
Rybakina* 6-4, 3-1 Watson
Watson can’t keep her first return of serve in play before Rybakina finds the outside of the line with a superb backhand.
A couple of strong serves, including an ace, and it’s yet another hold to love!
03:39 PM BST
Rybakina 6-4, 2-1 Watson*
Rybakina sends her return of serve long on the first point of this next game before doing the same with a groundstroke on the next point.
A return of serve goes straight into the net before the next one goes long and it’s back-to-back holds to love. Watson will be hoping for more of those.
03:36 PM BST
Rybakina* 6-4, 2-0 Watson
Rybakina sends a serve out wide and Watson can’t stretch enough to keep the return in play. It’s a similar story on the next point – 30-0.
The Kazakh pulls out an ace and then dominates the next point to hold to love. Routine stuff from the 25-year-old.
03:34 PM BST
Rybakina 6-4, 1-0 Watson*
Rybakina starts the second set strongly, with a poweful forehand establishing a 0-30 lead on Watson’s serve. The Brit manages to claw two points back but an error on the next one sets up a break point for the 25-year-old.
A wayward groundstroke from Rybakina takes it to deuce before a similarly wild return of serve makes it advantage Watson. The 33-year-old drags a forehand wide but responds with an ace to get the advantage again.
She looks set to hit a game-winning forehand but catches the net from close-range before pulling another forehand wide so it’s another break point for Rybakina.
Watson sends a fierce forehand down the line when on the back foot, though, so it’s back to deuce, but an equally fierce backhand from Rybakina on the return of serve earns her another break point.
Another strong return from the 25-year-old and Watson can only find the net with an awkward forehand from the baseline so it’s an early break against the Brit.
03:25 PM BST
Briton beaten in error strewn display
Katie Boulter exited Queen’s after losing in three sets to Diana Shnaider, a defeat which will confirm Emma Raducanu as the new British No 1 after the conclusion of the tournament.
In almost identical fashion to her opening match against Ajla Tomljanovic, Boulter enjoyed a blistering start, breaking Shnaider twice to take a decisive set advantage before the mistakes piled up and she lost 6-2, 3-6, 2-6.
In that first match, Boulter faltered in the second set before coming back in the third, despite serving up nine double faults, but against Shnaider she was unable to produce the same result.
Boulter’s serve again proved problematic as she produced nine double faults in the match and landed less than 55 per cent of her first serves. As Shnaider started to take her chances, Boulter was forced to search for winners and in doing so made mistakes, upon which the Russian capitalised.
Boulter started the tournament at British No 1, with Raducanu close behind her in the world rankings, but the 28-year-old’s defeat ensures her doubles partner will take the top spot on Monday.
03:22 PM BST
Rybakina takes the opening set
A powerful backhand down the line gives Rybakina a 15-0 lead in this all-important service game but an awkward forehand finds the net and it’s all square.
Watson does remarkably to stay in the next rally for as long as she does but eventually her opponent can put it away at the net.
The Brit gets a bit of luck on the next point, though, as her backhand catches the top of the net and dribbles over, so things have just become a bit tense for the Kazakh.
A strong serve down the middle though and it’s set point. A delightful forehand into the corner wraps it up.
03:18 PM BST
Rybakina 5-4 Watson*
So Watson is serving to stay in this opening set. It’s a positive start as Rybakina sends a grounstroke long after a lengthier exchange. An ace then takes Watson to 30-0.
A long return of serve from the 25-year-old sees Watson go to the brink of this game but a double-fault just delays things for the Brit.
Rybakina sends an approach shot long, though, and it’s a comfortable hold of serve. Watson will be disappointed really, other than the break of serve, she has held really comfortably throughout this opening set.
But her opponent is now serving for a 1-0 lead.
03:14 PM BST
Rybakina* 5-3 Watson
Can Watson respond to that break of serve? She does well to bring Rybakina into the net but gets the subsequent lob wrong and the 25-year-old can smash into an empty court.
A weak sliced backhand finds the net from Watson but she produces a strong forehand return on the next point to make it 30-15.
The Kazakh responds with an ace, though, and she has the game wrapped up with a tidy backhand into the corner.
03:10 PM BST
Rybakina 4-3 Watson*
Watson sends a backhand from the baseline just long but produces a sensational passing forehand when under pressure on the next point to level it at 15-15.
She gets it wrong on the next point, though, sending a sliced forehand long when she had time to produce something more attacking.
The Brit then pushes a forehand down the line wide and suddenly Rybakina has two break points.
And she takes the first of them! With Watson at the net, the 25-year-old has time to measure a sliced backhand beyond the Brit.
03:07 PM BST
Rybakina* 3-3 Watson
Watson turns defence into attack nicely at this start of this sixth game and it forces the long groundstroke from her opponent.
She’s on the back foot at the start of the next point too, but sends a sliced backhand just wide this time.
A fairly wayward forehand sees Watson take the lead again, though. The 25-year-old is not quite firing on that forehand just yet.
Watson drags a forehand just wide though and you can see she felt that was a big opportunity to apply pressure of a break.
Rybakina sets up the smash on the next point before a strong serve wraps this game up. All square.
03:03 PM BST
Rybakina 2-3 Watson*
A powerful backhand into the corner forces the mistake from Rybakina as she finds the net, before a strong serve does the same on the next point.
Again, Watson has joy from bringing her opponent into the net before having a vacant court to play the winner into.
The Brit finds the net on her next point, though, before producing another double-fault and she has just opened the door for Rybakina in this game.
A strong serve on the next point, though, and the game is Watson’s.
02:59 PM BST
Rybakina* 2-2 Watson
Watson crushes a backhand into the corner to take the lead in this game before the world No 11 sends a groundstroke long, and suddenly, there is a slight opening for the Brit.
Watson sees her lead halved as a forehand finds the net but it’s restored as Rybakina does the same on the next point. So two break points.
Rybakina recovers them though, with an ace bringing it back to deuce. A backhand winner into the corner and it’s advantage to the Kazakh.
She has the game at her mercy with an inviting return of serve from Watson but she drags her forehand winner wide.
A sweetly-struck forehand winner followed by an ace, though, and Rybakina manages to hold.
02:52 PM BST
Rybakina 1-2 Watson*
Rybakina crushes a backhand into the corner and that’s a warning of what the 2022 Wimbledon champion is capable of. A strong serve from Watson draws her level, though.
Rybakina looks to pounce on an inviting second serve but sends an attempted forehand winner just long.
Watson then draws the 25-year-old into the net with a drop-shot and has an empty to court to play the winner into. 40-15.
A second double-fault from Watson gives the Kazakh a glimmer of hope but a sliced backhand into the net sees the Brit wrap this third game up.
02:49 PM BST
Rybakina* 1-1 Watson
Watson sends a return of serve long before Rybakina produces an ace to take a 30-0 lead in her opening service game of the match.
Watson, once again, fails to make the return but a double-fault follows from the 25-year-old, so it’s 40-15.
Watson sends a forehand wide on the next point so it’s a comfortable hold for both players at the start of this game.
02:46 PM BST
Rybakina 0-1 Watson* (*denotes server)
It’s a strong start from Watson, sending a backhand winner into the corner to take a 15-0 lead in this opening game, but she follows it up with a double-fault.
A pair of wayward returns of serve from Rybakina takes Watson to the brink of this opening game, though.
The Brit sends a ground stroke long, but her opponent once again fails to keep her return of serve in play on the next point and it’s a fairly routine hold to start the match for Watson.
02:41 PM BST
But first…
Before Emma Raducanu gets underway on the Andy Murray Arena, fellow Brit Heather Watson is in action against fourth seed Elena Rybakina.
The 33-year-old has just made her way onto court so that will be getting up and running shortly.
02:39 PM BST
Raducanu to become British No 1
With this loss, Katie Boulter is set to drop five places in the rankings, meaning she will drop below Emma Raducanu, who will become the new British No 1 come the end of the tournament.
Boulter took the crown of British No 1 from Raducanu in June 2023 but will now fall beneath the 22-year-old, regardless of her run at Queen’s. Raducanu will be hoping to progress into the quarter-finals later today, though, as she takes on Rebecca Sramkova.
02:34 PM BST
Shnaider apologises to crowd for knocking out home favourite
Speaking on court, Diana Shnaider has said: “I want to first apologise to the crowd, Katie is such a lovely person. I love her with all of my heart.
“So to play her and beat her in front of her home crowd, I feel so sorry but I hope you’re not going to hate me too much and come support me tomorrow.”
On playing on grass, the 21-year-old said: “Last year for me was the first season on the grass, so I was very shocked and surprised at how well it was for me.
“So I was looking forward to coming back this year. From the first practice, it feels very relaxed and comfortable and I love this surface.
On what she has learnt, she said: “I haven’t learned much yet. I am still learning a lot and trying to trust myself more and trust the process and accept that it’s okay to do mistakes. There’s a lot of work going on but I definitely learn a little more to play on grass.”
02:33 PM BST
Boulter’s serving woes
Nine double faults, 54.8 per cent of first serves made (51/93) and 33.3 per cent of second serve points won (14/42).
Those are numbers that are never going to get the job done.
02:27 PM BST
Shnaider* 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 Boulter
More errors from the Boulter racket moves Shnaider to 30-0. Better play from Boulter draws the error from Shnaider, 30-15.
Boulter backhand into the net, two match points. Another Shnaider forehand deep into the Boulter backhand and the Briton’s slice flies long.
GAME SET MATCH SHNAIDER!!!
02:22 PM BST
Shnaider 2-6, 6-3, 5-2 Boulter*
More impatient play by Boulter as she sprays a forehand into the tramlines, 15-30. A forehand into the net by Boulter gives Shnaider a break point.
Good depth by Shnaider and Boulter crumbles again, striking a wild forehand wide of the court. Shnaider breaks and will serve for the set.
02:17 PM BST
Shnaider* 2-6, 6-3, 4-2 Boulter
Boulter does well to get to 30-30 but spoils it with another avoidable return error. Too aggressive when she needs to get ball in play.
Boulter nets a backhand and Shnaider moves another step closer to victory.
02:13 PM BST
‘Shnaider is struggling to keep her opponent at bay’
The question was going to be whether we would see a different Katie Boulter after the break from the tennis she produced in the second set.
She managed to save break points to take her service games deep, but so far has not been able to hold on long enough to keep her opponent at bay.
Diana Shnaider on the other hand is covering her baseline so well it’s hard to find an opening, and producing aces when it matters on her service game.
02:12 PM BST
Shnaider 2-6, 6-3, 3-2 Boulter*
Boulter needs a few easy points to ease the pressure on herself. Two first serves into play, two points won by Boulter to change the game from 0-30 to 30-all.
Wild forehand long by Boulter and she’s in more trouble here. Break point. Well played Boulter, more margin on her shots, more patience and she’s rewarded with a volley winner, deuce.
Boulter’s second serve comes to the fore and the Briton holds. She needed that game otherwise there was no way back.
a familiar face cheering her on 🤗@alexdeminaur 🤝 @katiecboulter#HSBCChampionshipspic.twitter.com/ZX5Da5Qsy0
— wta (@WTA) June 12, 2025
02:05 PM BST
Shnaider* 2-6, 6-3, 3-1 Boulter
Boulter opens up a chance for herself with a backhand return winner down the line. And she gets it when Shnaider flicks a backhand wide, break point.
Boulter tries to be aggressive with her return but places the ball in the tramlines. And that helps Shnaider dig herself out of trouble and hold.
02:01 PM BST
Shnaider 2-6, 6-3, 2-1 Boulter*
Boulter did not make a first serve in her previous service game and an eighth double fault puts her down at 0-30. A brilliant forehand winner on the run by Shnaider gives her two break points. Boulter saves the first. Can she save the second?
Yes. Shnaider puts a backhand long and she is livid with herself. A ninth double fault for Boulter gives Shnaider another break point.
Boulter goes on the attack but Shnaider absorbs the power and gets her reward when Boulter nets a backhand.
01:57 PM BST
Shnaider* 2-6, 6-3, 1-1 Boulter
Shnaider shakes off the disappointment of the previous game and holds to 15. She will be keen to get after the Boulter serve again.
01:53 PM BST
Third set: Shnaider 2-6, 6-3, 0-1 Boulter*
One set shootout for a place in the quarter-finals and Boulter’s serve has deserted her here. Two double faults means she is facing three break points.
Boulter saves the first two and gives herself a chance. Shnaider gets Boulter on the run and pushes her wide but with the open court gaping, she puts a backhand into the tramlines. Deuce and relief for Boulter.
Huge roar of ‘come on’ by Boulter and a defiant shake of the racket as she survives when Shnaider sends a backhand wide.
01:46 PM BST
Shnaider* 2-6, 6-3 Boulter
No such problems for Shnaider in this service game as she moves to 40-0 and three more set points. Shnaider goes back behind Boulter with a deep backhand, Boulter can’t adjust her feet quick enough and her backhand drifts wide.
Second set to Shnaider and it is going to be a big ask of Boulter to win this now.
01:42 PM BST
Shnaider 2-6, 5-3 Boulter*
A bit of fortune for Boulter as her forehand clips the net cord and drops dead on Shnaider’s side. Another double fault by Boulter, 30-30.
Shnaider drills a forehand down the line which is too hot for Boulter, set point. Saved by Boulter with a first serve followed by forehand winner, deuce.
Recovery complete for Boulter as she fires down an ace to hold. Can Shnaider get it done at the second time of asking?
01:38 PM BST
Shnaider* 2-6, 5-2 Boulter
This set looks to be lost for Boulter but she gives herself half a chance by breaking Shnaider to 15. Game on?
01:34 PM BST
Shnaider 2-6, 5-1 Boulter*
Forehand winner followed by an ace makes it a perfect start by Boulter, 30-30. But Shnaider produces a lovely forehand pass beyond Boulter at the net to give herself a break point.
Deep backhand by Shnaider and Boulter can’t deal with it and nets tamely. Shnaider breaks again and will serve for the set.
01:29 PM BST
Here we go… again!
The players are back and having a short warm up with play to resume shortly. Did the reset help Boulter to refocus? Let’s find out…
01:24 PM BST
UPDATE
Sonia Twigg, our reporter at Queen’s, says the players will be back on court at 1.25pm!
01:22 PM BST
WATCH
This was the penultimate point before the rain delay and a sign of Shnaider’s improved level.
Diana Shnaider with her own touch at the net 😮💨#HSBCChampionshipspic.twitter.com/jsAymoz5YS
— wta (@WTA) June 12, 2025
01:11 PM BST
Shnaider 2-6, 4-1 (0-30) Boulter* – PLAY SUSPENDED
The umpire comes off his chair at 0-30 and it looks as though the groundspeople are ready to cover the court. The umpire confirms play is suspended due to light rain and both players leave the court.
01:05 PM BST
Shnaider* 2-6, 4-1 Boulter
Shnaider is finding her form on her forehand and breaking through Boulter’s defences and she holds to 30 when the Briton nets a forehand return.
01:03 PM BST
‘Raincoats and umbrellas being reached for’
The rain that had been held at bay has just made a reappearance. Raincoats and umbrellas were reached for and the drops were noticeably heavier.
So far not enough to warrant the players leaving the court though.
01:02 PM BST
Shnaider 2-6, 3-1 Boulter*
Fifth double fault for Boulter to start the game. Those service issues from her previous match are starting to reappear.
A few umbrellas are coming up in the stands. Those spots of rain that by colleague Sonia saw earlier and becoming more persistent. Boulter earns a game point at 40-30 and duly holds when Shnaider hits a backhand long.
12:58 PM BST
Shnaider* 2-6, 3-0 Boulter
The fifth seed is on a roll and wraps up her third game in a row after Boulter’s backhand flies long. Work to do for the British No 1.
12:55 PM BST
Shnaider 2-6, 2-0 Boulter*
Boulter looks to be cruising towards after game at 40-0 but a fortunate net cord and back-to-back double faults allow Shnaider back into the game.
Boulter’s wobbles continue and a backhand long means Shnaider has a break point. And Shnaider takes full advantage of her opportunity, hitting a deep forehand into the corner and Boulter can’t get her backhand into play.
Shnaider breaks.
12:48 PM BST
Second set: Shnaider* 2-6, 1-0 Boulter
Shnaider stops the run of games from Boulter and hold to love. She will want to fight back quickly.
12:45 PM BST
‘Crowd have really got behind Boulter’
The rain has stayed away and that has only played into Boulter’s hands.
The crowd have really got behind her here as the main court at Queen’s fills up as we get further into the afternoon.
12:44 PM BST
Shnaider 2-6 Boulter*
Two set points for Boulter after an assured service game and she seals it at the first opportunity when her wide serve is returned into the net by Shnaider.
12:42 PM BST
Shnaider* 2-5 Boulter
Wonderful point by Boulter to turn defence into offence. She then hits a cute drop shot and Shnaider nets her reply, 15-30.
Back-to-back return errors by Boulter allows her momentum to slip away, 40-30 but the game goes to deuce when Shnaider puts a forehand into the tramlines.
Excellent return by Boulter rushes Shnaider into putting a forehand long and earns a break point. Boulter goes back behind Shnaider with a forehand down the line and gets a short reply. Boulter then steps in and whips a forehand into the corner to break. Brilliant tennis from the British No 1.
12:35 PM BST
Shnaider 2-4 Boulter*
Poor miss by Boulter on the volley to make it 30-30. No reason to go so close to the line. Her net game is one year that needs major improvement. Boulter overcooks a forehand and the ball travels long, deuce.
Deep return from Shnaider forces Boulter to net, break point. Boulter’s first serve gets her out of trouble again. And he cosildates the break after Shnaider nets her return.
12:30 PM BST
Air in the head?
More concerningly for the fans in the stadium, and even potentially those on court, is the single raindrop I felt earlier is now being accompanied by a few more that I can see on my laptop screen.
It’s blue skies overhead so hopefully not enough to cause a delay in the game.
12:29 PM BST
Shnaider* 2-3 Boulter
Boulter’s flat groundstrokes are causing problems for Shnaider and she powers her way to a break after a forehand winner down the line.
She’s been a lot sharper and striking the ball cleanly. That has got the sparse crowd going.
drop shot, lob combo 🫡@katiecboulter | #HSBCChampionshipspic.twitter.com/bQ4vIpC9vg
— wta (@WTA) June 12, 2025
12:26 PM BST
Shnaider 2-2 Boulter*
The sparse crowd on Andy Murray Arena groans as Boulter just misses with a cross court forehand, deuce. A Boulter forehand into the net creates the first break chance for Shnaider. But she saves it after a timely first serve into the corner is unreturned.
And Boulter battles through to hold after a Shnaider backhand drifts wide.
12:20 PM BST
‘Andy Murray Arena, with its 7,700 capacity, is under half full’
Whether it’s the earlier start, or just the fact that it’s Thursday, the crowd for Boulter’s match does not yet match the previous days.
The Andy Murray Arena, with its 7,700 capacity, is under half full to see the British singles player in action.
That being said, it is clear who the crowd wants to win.
12:19 PM BST
Shnaider* 2-1 Boulter
Early on, it is clear to see that Shnaider’s big weapon is her whippy Nadal-like forehand but it can be prone to errors. Let’s see if Boulter can put that area of her game under pressure when it matters.
Shnaider holds to 30 with Boulter slices a backhand into the net.
12:16 PM BST
Shnaider 1-1 Boulter*
After being broken seven times in the first round, Boulter will want a better serving day if she wants to reach the quarter-final. She makes the ideal start here, racing to 40-0 with a forehand winner and holding with a second serve ace.
Already looking brighter for Boulter.
12:13 PM BST
First set: Diana Shnaider* 1-0 Katie Boulter (*denotes server)
You have to say Boulter’s coin toss gamble backfired as Shnaider holds to 30 in her opening service game and showcases her powerful groundstrokes.
Shnaider is also a leftie, which poses another awkward test for the British No 1.
12:08 PM BST
Here we go!
Shnaider and Boulter are on court for their match and going through their warm up preparations. Boulter wins the toss and opts to receive serve first, which is an interesting choice.
The two players have met just once before, last year in the Hong Kong Open final. Shnaider won that 6-1, 6-2 so Boulter will be hoping for some revenge today.
11:51 AM BST
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11:33 AM BST
Day four at Queen’s
Hello and welcome to coverage of a busy day at Queens as three Britons bid to reach the quarter-finals.
On the WTA’s return to west Kensington for the first time since 1973, the crowd on Andy Murray Arena will be treated matches involving Katie Boulter, Heather Watson and Emma Raducanu.
Boulter, the British No 1, starts against fifth seed Diana Shnaider, having sealed her place in the second round thanks to a battling second round victory over Australian qualifier Ajla Tomljanovic.
“When I walked out it actually surpassed what I thought it would feel like when I kind of imagined it,” said Boulter, adding: “I think it’s very easy to get caught up in just trying to get your first grass court match, also coming to such an historic venue as well, which holds a lot of purpose and a lot of familiar feelings when I’ve come here before.”
Watson follows Boulter and faces the daunting task of former Wimbledon Elena Rybakina.
“Very happy to be through here at Queen’s,” Watson said. “It’s such a great event so far and I’m really enjoying playing here, playing on these courts at this amazing club, and staying at home, sleeping in my own bed.”
And the third Briton in action is Raducanu, who plays Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova after she beat reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, 6-4, 6-3.
Raducanu said: “I play my best when my personality is put on the court and I can express myself, and I feel like sometimes when I’ve been constrained to play a certain way, it hasn’t necessarily worked, and I just need to be free and expressive and then certain moments of creativity can come up.
“I mean, it’s easier said than done to be yourself, especially when you’re on such a big stage, but for sure when I’m playing freely, when I’m swinging and taking on chances, that is when I’m at my best. Yeah, then I think as that happened today, I could kind of relax into it and more and more could come up.”
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