LONDON — As the grass-court season heats up, British tennis fans have plenty to look forward to with the Queen's Club Championships and the Nottingham Open serving as key warm-up events ahead of Wimbledon. Rising stars like Jack Draper and global sensations like Carlos Alcaraz are set to compete, while home favorite Katie Boulter aims to build momentum. Here’s how you can follow all the action live on the BBC.
Queen's & Nottingham: Key Players to Watch
The cinch Championships at Queen’s Club and the Rothesay Open in Nottingham are pivotal stops on the ATP and WTA tours, respectively. This year’s lineups feature a mix of established stars and emerging talents:
- Carlos Alcaraz – The reigning Wimbledon champion is using Queen’s to fine-tune his grass-court game ahead of his title defense.
- Jack Draper – Britain’s newest hope, fresh off his first ATP title in Stuttgart, looks to continue his breakthrough season.
- Katie Boulter – The British No. 1 aims to build on her strong start to 2024, including a run to the Nottingham semifinals last year.
- Emma Raducanu – Though not competing this year due to injury, her absence leaves the spotlight on Boulter and other British contenders.
How to Follow Live on the BBC
The BBC remains the go-to destination for comprehensive coverage of both tournaments. Here’s how you can catch every serve, volley, and match point:
TV Coverage
BBC Two and the BBC Sport website will broadcast live matches from Queen’s, with daily coverage starting at 1:00 PM BST. Nottingham Open matches will be available on the BBC Red Button and online via the BBC iPlayer.
Radio & Digital
For those on the move, BBC Radio 5 Live will provide live commentary, while the BBC Sport app offers real-time updates, highlights, and expert analysis. Tennis correspondent Russell Fuller noted: "This is a crucial period for British players, especially Draper and Boulter, as they look to make a statement before Wimbledon."
Why These Tournaments Matter
Queen’s and Nottingham serve as ideal preparation for Wimbledon, offering players a chance to adapt to grass-court conditions. Alcaraz, who skipped Queen’s last year, emphasized its importance: "Grass is a surface where every match is unpredictable. Playing at Queen’s helps me find my rhythm before the bigger challenge at SW19."
For British players, these events are even more significant. Draper, who reached the Queen’s quarterfinals in 2023, said: "There’s no better feeling than playing in front of a home crowd. The support pushes me to play my best tennis."
Key Matches & Schedule
The tournaments run from June 17-23 (Nottingham) and June 19-23 (Queen’s). Notable early-round matches include:
- Queen’s – Alcaraz vs. a qualifier (Round 1), Draper potentially facing defending champion Alex de Minaur in the quarters.
- Nottingham – Boulter opens against a wildcard, with a possible rematch of last year’s final against Jodie Burrage.
Conclusion
With star power, home favorites, and high stakes, the Queen’s Club Championships and Nottingham Open promise thrilling tennis. Whether you’re tuning in on TV, radio, or online, the BBC has you covered. As Boulter put it: "Grass season is where dreams are made. I can’t wait to get started."