LONDON — For the first time in 52 years, women’s tennis is making a historic return to the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s ongoing push for gender equality. The 2024 edition of the tournament will feature a combined ATP-WTA event, with top female players competing on the same hallowed grass courts as their male counterparts.
The last time women played at Queen’s was in 1973, just before the tournament became an exclusively men’s event. This year’s revival follows years of advocacy and structural changes in tennis governance, including the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) commitment to equal prize money and opportunities. "This is a landmark moment for British tennis," said LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd.
Why the Long Absence?
The disappearance of women’s tennis from Queen’s in 1972 was largely due to scheduling conflicts and the rise of standalone WTA tournaments. At the time, the women’s game was still fighting for recognition, and the LTA prioritized the men’s event, which had deeper historical roots. The shift also reflected broader societal attitudes, as women’s sports struggled for visibility and investment.
However, recent years have seen a dramatic shift. Key factors driving the return include:
- Increased demand for combined events: Fans and sponsors prefer tournaments featuring both tours.
- Grass-court preparation: With Wimbledon looming, players want more high-quality matches on grass.
- Equality initiatives: The LTA has pledged to achieve gender parity across its events by 2030.
The Players Leading the Charge
Several top WTA stars have already confirmed their participation, including reigning Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová and British No. 1 Katie Boulter. "Playing at Queen’s is a dream come true," said Boulter. "It’s about time women had the chance to compete on this iconic stage."
A New Era for Grass-Court Tennis
The inclusion of women at Queen’s is part of a broader trend in tennis. The sport has increasingly embraced combined events, with tournaments like Madrid, Rome, and Indian Wells proving successful models. Queen’s now joins this movement, offering equal prize money of £2.2 million for both draws.
Chris Pollard, LTA Director of Major Events, emphasized the significance: "This isn’t just about adding a women’s event—it’s about creating a festival of tennis where the best players in the world, regardless of gender, can showcase their talent."
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the excitement, some logistical hurdles remain. The club’s limited court space means scheduling will be tight, and traditionalists have voiced concerns about altering the tournament’s historic identity. However, former British No. 1 Tim Henman dismissed these worries: "Progress sometimes requires change, and this is a change worth making."
What This Means for the Future
The return of women to Queen’s could set a precedent for other tournaments. Halle, another prestigious grass-court event, is now under pressure to follow suit. For players, it’s a chance to hone their skills on grass ahead of Wimbledon, where the women’s game has drawn record viewership in recent years.
Billie Jean King, a pioneer of gender equality in tennis, welcomed the news: "This is a long-overdue step forward. When women and men share the stage, everyone wins—the players, the fans, and the sport itself."
Conclusion
After half a century, women’s tennis is finally reclaiming its place at Queen’s. This milestone reflects both the progress made in gender equality and the work still to be done. As the sport continues to evolve, the 2024 Queen’s Club Championships will stand as a testament to tennis’s ability to adapt and grow.
With the eyes of the tennis world watching, the women’s return to Queen’s isn’t just a nostalgic revival—it’s a bold statement about the future of the game. As Vondroušová put it: "History isn’t just something we read about. Sometimes, we get to make it ourselves."