LONDON — Tennis history will be made this week as the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships hosts a women’s tournament for the first time in 50 years. The event, officially named the LTA’s Rothesay Classic Birmingham, will be broadcast live on the BBC, offering fans a chance to witness this landmark moment in the sport.
A Historic Return for Women’s Tennis at Queen’s
The Queen’s Club, a hallowed ground in tennis, has long been synonymous with men’s grass-court excellence. However, this year marks a significant shift as the venue welcomes a WTA 500 event, the first women’s tournament since 1973. The move is part of a broader effort by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to elevate women’s tennis in the UK. "This is a monumental step forward," said LTA CEO Scott Lloyd. "We’re proud to bring top-tier women’s tennis back to Queen’s."
The tournament will feature a star-studded field, including reigning Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová, two-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur, and British No. 1 Katie Boulter. The event serves as a crucial warm-up for Wimbledon, offering players a chance to fine-tune their grass-court game on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.
How to Watch on the BBC
For tennis fans in the UK, the BBC will provide comprehensive coverage of the tournament, including live matches on BBC Two, the BBC Sport website, and the iPlayer. Highlights and analysis will also be available across BBC platforms. "We’re thrilled to bring this historic event to audiences nationwide," said Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport.
Key broadcast details:
- Live Matches: BBC Two and BBC iPlayer (selected sessions)
- Daily Highlights: BBC Sport website and app
- Commentary Team: Includes former British No. 1 Annabel Croft and analyst Naomi Cavaday
Why This Tournament Matters
The return of women’s tennis to Queen’s is more than just a scheduling change—it’s a statement. For decades, the grass-court season has been dominated by men’s events, with women often playing at smaller venues. This shift reflects the growing demand for gender equality in tennis. "It’s about time women had the same opportunities on grass," said Jabeur, a vocal advocate for equality in the sport.
The tournament also holds significance for British tennis, providing homegrown talent like Boulter and Emma Raducanu (if she competes) with a high-profile platform ahead of Wimbledon. "Playing at Queen’s is a dream come true," Boulter said. "It’s a chance to inspire the next generation."
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Grass-Court Tennis
The success of this year’s event could pave the way for more women’s tournaments at Queen’s, potentially even a combined event with the men in the future. The LTA has already hinted at further expansions, with CEO Lloyd stating, "This is just the beginning. We’re committed to growing the women’s game at every level."
As the tennis world turns its attention to Queen’s this week, the tournament represents a long-overdue milestone. For the first time in half a century, women will once again grace the historic lawns, writing a new chapter in the sport’s rich history.
Don’t miss this historic moment—tune in to the BBC to watch the action unfold. Whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan or a casual viewer, this is a tournament that promises drama, excitement, and a celebration of progress in women’s sports.