LONDON — Emma Raducanu delivered a commanding performance to secure her place in the quarterfinals of the Rothesay Classic at Queen’s Club, overcoming an early scare to defeat Belgium’s Elise Mertens in straight sets, 6-1, 7-6(5).
The British No. 1, playing in front of former coach and commentator Mark Petchey, showcased her trademark resilience after a shaky start in the second set. Raducanu, who received a wildcard entry into the tournament, has now won back-to-back matches on grass for the first time since her historic 2021 US Open triumph.
A Dominant Start Followed by a Test
Raducanu wasted no time asserting her dominance in the opening set, breaking Mertens twice to race to a 5-0 lead. Her aggressive baseline play and precise serving left the Belgian scrambling, as she wrapped up the first set in just 24 minutes. "I felt really good out there from the first point," Raducanu said afterward. "I was moving well and trusting my shots, which is always key on grass."
However, the second set proved far more challenging. Mertens, a seasoned grass-court player, adjusted her tactics, forcing Raducanu into longer rallies and capitalizing on a dip in the Brit’s first-serve percentage. At 4-4, Raducanu faced two break points but dug deep to hold serve, much to the relief of the home crowd.
Key Moments in the Tiebreak
The tiebreak was a tense affair, with both players trading mini-breaks early on. Raducanu, however, showed her composure under pressure, sealing the match with a blistering forehand winner. "I knew I had to stay calm and take it point by point," she reflected. "Elise is a tough opponent, so I’m really happy to get through."
Petchey’s Presence Adds Intrigue
The match carried extra significance as Raducanu played in front of Mark Petchey, her former coach and now a commentator for Sky Sports. The pair worked together briefly in 2021 before parting ways, and Petchey has been vocal about her potential. "Emma has the ability to be a top-10 player," he said during the broadcast. "When she’s confident, she’s unstoppable."
Raducanu, who has struggled with injuries and form fluctuations since her US Open win, appears to be regaining her rhythm. Her movement on grass, often a weakness in the past, looked sharp, and she demonstrated improved net play—a crucial asset on this surface.
What’s Next for Raducanu?
The 21-year-old will face either Jessica Pegula or Daria Kasatkina in the quarterfinals. A deep run at Queen’s would provide a major confidence boost ahead of Wimbledon, where she will aim to surpass her second-round exit from last year.
Raducanu’s recent performances suggest she is finding her footing on grass, a surface that suits her aggressive style. Key improvements include:
- Serve consistency: Her first-serve percentage has risen significantly compared to earlier in the season.
- Net play: She won 75% of her net approaches against Mertens, a marked improvement.
- Mental resilience: Her ability to regroup after losing momentum in the second set was notable.
With Wimbledon just weeks away, Raducanu’s resurgence comes at the perfect time. "I’m just enjoying my tennis again," she said with a smile. "That’s when I play my best."
Conclusion: A Statement Win
Raducanu’s victory over Mertens was more than just a step toward the Queen’s quarterfinals—it was a declaration of intent. After months of setbacks, she is playing with freedom and confidence, traits that once propelled her to Grand Slam glory.
As the British crowd roared in approval, it was clear: Emma Raducanu is back. And with Wimbledon on the horizon, her timing couldn’t be better.