**Emma Raducanu Admits ‘Jealousy’ as Women’s Tennis Returns to Queen’s Club After Over 50 Years**
British tennis star Emma Raducanu has candidly admitted to harbouring some envy over the years as male athletes competed at Queen’s Club, while female players remained on the side-lines. That feeling of envy, however, has turned into excitement and pride as the WTA Tour returns to the prestigious West Kensington venue this week, marking the first time since 1973 that top female players have graced its historic grass courts.
The Queen’s Club in London has for decades been the site of a celebrated men’s ATP tournament, often hailed as the leading ATP 500 event on the circuit. British fans and local players grew up idolising athletes who competed there, with the allure of the perfectly manicured grass and the venue’s old-world charm captivating enthusiasts for generations. Until now, women’s appearances remained conspicuously absent from this iconic stage, a fact not lost on the current crop of WTA stars.
Raducanu, who became a household name following her fairy-tale US Open win, did not shy away from acknowledging her long-standing wishes. “I was always a little bit jealous, admittedly in a healthy way,” Raducanu confessed with a smile, reflecting on years spent watching the men compete at Queen’s. “Growing up, I would visit with my dad, hardly paying attention to the tennis but rather hunting for brownies around the club. It’s funny how things come full circle; now, to have the chance to compete here myself is completely different and overwhelmingly special.”
The return of the WTA Tour to Queen’s has not only thrilled home-grown stars like Raducanu, but has also attracted the attention of international talent. Among the notable participants are Australian Open champion Madison Keys and Olympic gold medallist Qinwen Zheng, both of whom expressed eagerness to tread the famed lawns.
For Keys, the invitation was particularly appealing, given the personal connection with tournament director Laura Robson, a former British player herself. “When Laura invited me, it was an immediate yes,” Keys explained. “I’ve always heard wonderful things from the male players about Queen’s—the atmosphere, the setting, everything. Honestly, I was jealous that they had this opportunity. So, to finally experience it on the women’s tour is really meaningful for me.”
Zheng, currently ranked world No. 5, freely admitted her inexperience on grass surfaces, noting that she has, until now, never made it to a quarter-final on the green turf. Despite this, she radiated enthusiasm, describing Queen’s Club as a truly special venue. “Watching the men’s tournament was always inspiring—now, to be in the first generation of women able to play here feels amazing. The history, the neighbourhood, the classic design—it’s all very exciting.”
Fellow competitor Donna Vekić, who reached the Wimbledon semi-finals last year, echoed similar sentiments. The Croatian star pointed to the prestigious legacy of Queen’s and recalled watching the men’s event with a sense of longing. “It’s such a historic place, and I always wished we’d have our moment here. I couldn’t be happier that the dream is now real.”
The significance of this week’s tournament is perhaps greatest for the British contingent. Katie Boulter, Britain’s No. 1 female player, shared that she had yearned for the chance to compete at Queen’s throughout her career. “There’s a palpable sense of history here,” she remarked. “It means a lot to finally step onto this court and have our own mark on it as women’s players.”
The resurrection of the women’s tournament at Queen’s comes at a time when calls for gender equality in sport are louder than ever. The WTA event at this prestigious venue stands as a milestone for the sport in the UK and beyond, offering female athletes the recognition and platform historically reserved for their male counterparts.
As Raducanu and her peers prepare to compete in front of a home crowd—many for the first time at Queen’s—there is a sense that a long overdue correction is under way in British tennis. For these players, stepping onto the grass in West Kensington is not just about chasing titles, but about claiming a piece of the club’s storied legacy for themselves and future generations.