Emma Raducanu has been handed a major boost for Wimbledon following her run in the Queen’s Club Championship.
The British No1 lost in the final of Queen’s to Donna Vekic 6-0, 7-6 (8-6), as the pair put on a thrilling contest in west London.
Her run to the final, which saw Raducanu win two games in one day on Saturday, comes with its perks for Wimbledon.
The 23-year-old has now soared through the rankings and is now the world number 31.
Raducanu’s new ranking means she will now enter Wimbledon in a seeded position, meaning a more favourable draw will likely fall her way.
The same goes for Vekic, who is now the world number 32, with the rest of the draw pleased not to have the two tough opponents in an unseeded position.
Raducanu was humble in defeat to Vekic, recognising the incredible run she had been on to reach the final.
She said: “It’s been an incredible week for me, making the final here, playing in my home city, in my home tournament.
Emma Raducanu has been handed a major boost for Wimbledon
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“The support I have received all week has been incredible, but I really want to take this opportunity to thank everyone.
“Today was a really tough match. Donna played extremely well from the start to the finish.
“So thanks for getting me through some tough moments this week and also for helping me push back in that second set.”
Raducanu continued: “What a week for you, from qualifying all the way to the title. You played really well so all the best.”
Raducanu finished as runner-up at Queen’s
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Vekic responded with kind words of her own to Raducanu, saying: “Wow, first of all, congrats Emma on such a great week. You are such an incredible player, and I wish you and your team all of the best for the remainder of the grass season.
“Growing up and watching the tour, I was always jealous of the boys having a chance to play at this amazing club.
“I am very grateful that since last year we have had the opportunity to play here as well.
“Thank you to everyone who made this happen. We really enjoy it.”
Raducanu was humble in defeat after losing to Donna Vekic
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Vekic continued, telling the BBC: “I was always jealous of the boys playing at this club and this amazing court. I love this court, I love the grass, and I have really enjoyed myself this week.
“Winning 6-0 [in a first set] is sometimes a curse in tennis. Emma really stepped up and played some amazing tennis. I just tried to stay with her, make her play it out, stay with every single ball.
“Her last service game and the tie-break are a bit of a blur right now, but I’m really happy I managed to win.
“This is really my favourite time of the year, my favourite surface. I really made the most out of it this week, and I will see you all in two weeks at Wimbledon. Thank you guys for all your support.”
