Sell-out crowds filled the Queen’s Club for the women’s tournament, according to The Guardian. The event, held in London from June 12 to 18, 2026, featured notable matches, including the return of Serena Williams and impressive performances from Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter.
What happened
This year’s Queen’s Club tournament attracted significant attention, with general sale tickets for the men’s event selling out in under a day. The men’s tournament suffered from a weakened draw due to injuries, with only one top ten player, Alex de Minaur, present. “
The absence of Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper was particularly significant,
” reported The Guardian.
In contrast, the women’s tournament showcased remarkable talent, including Williams’ first appearance in doubles after a four-year hiatus. Despite a setback where her partner, Victoria Mboko, suffered a serious injury, the event featured notable wins such as Boulter defeating world No. 2 Elena Rybakina. Emma Raducanu advanced to her biggest final since winning the US Open in 2021.[1]
Why it matters
The growing popularity and capacity crowd at the women’s tournament, which saw over 70,000 tickets sold, demonstrated a shift in audience engagement. The event achieved 98% capacity during the week, showcasing women’s tennis as a major entity in the sport. The financial support from the LTA increased the prize money to $1,915,000, reinforcing its commitment to women’s tennis.[3]
Background
On May 20, 2026, the decision was made to revitalize women’s tennis at Queen’s Club after a 52-year absence. This revitalization focused on not only enhancing the competition but also addressing the prize-money disparity, which has impacted the growth and allure of women’s events compared to men’s tournaments.[2]
What’s next
The LTA plans to continue investing in women’s tennis, aiming to solidify the Queen’s Club tournament’s status as a key fixture in the British sports calendar. Upcoming actions include further adjustments in prize money and support for elite female athletes.
