Emma Raducanu admitted she was “in awe” of King Charles’ birthday flypast, which interrupted her quarter-final contest at the Queen’s Club Championships.
The British No 1 will play Ava Jovic after beating Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 7-5.
Raducanu was leading 40-0 and serving in the fifth game when the first set was interrupted for the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
A series of aircraft thundered directly over centre court, capped off by the Red Arrows, much to the initial bafflement and then amusement of the 23-year-old.
Speaking afterwards, Raducanu told the BBC: “It was insane.
“I couldn’t play with that. I was distracted and in awe of what was going on, and I think the crowd loved it, too.
“For me, I remember when I was younger watching them fly over, but to be watching them from this view at the Queen’s Club, I think it was a fun moment with the crowd, and I really enjoyed the interaction.”
Raducanu survived an injury scare in the contest to defeat Rakhimova, after having strapping on her left thigh.
Raducanu was ‘in awe’ of King Charles’ birthday flypast
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The British No1 said: “I think right now it’s a mix of adrenaline, but it was tough to take that fall.
“I feel like I was in a pretty good spot in the match, and on grass these things can happen.”
Raducanu will be in action later today against Iva Jovic after having her games delayed due to the weather.
Speaking about playing twice in one day, she said: “Obviously, it’s not easy to double up and play two matches.
Raducanu said: ‘I was distracted and in awe of what was going on’
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“It’s not something I’ve done before.
“The fall kind of threw me a little bit, but if anything, it takes the pressure off.
“[Jovic] has been playing incredibly well, she’s seeded, she’s had a great season so far, and I’ve honestly just kind of started.
“I think it will be a really tough match, but the support and this atmosphere is insane, so any opportunity I get to play in front of everyone, I’m really charged.”
Raducanu survived an injury scare to make it through to the semi-finals | REUTERS
Raducanu’s run to the last four represents a significant recovery following a disappointing opening-round defeat at the French Open and a challenging period earlier in the season when a post-viral illness kept her away from competition for two and a half months.
The semi-final appearance mirrors her 2024 Nottingham performance, where compatriot Katie Boulter claimed the title, and equals her Washington 2025 achievement at WTA 500 level.
Rakhimova proved resilient throughout, saving two match points before finally succumbing.
