Donna Vekic Wins Queen’s Title Against Emma Raducanu

Donna Vekic won the Queen’s title by defeating Emma Raducanu on May 27, 2026. Vekic became the first lucky loser to win a WTA Tour title since 2023.

What happened

Vekic, who initially lost in qualifying, advanced to the main draw after Marta Kostyuk withdrew. She opened strongly, winning the first set decisively. In a dramatic second set, Vekic overcame a 5-2 deficit to gain a 6-5 advantage. Raducanu fought back, saving three championship points and forcing a tiebreak. In the tiebreak, Vekic regained her composure after Raducanu tied it 4-4, ultimately winning 6-0, 7-6(6) on her fifth championship point. “Going up and playing on the tour, I was always jealous of the boys having the chance to play on this court,” Vekic said during the trophy presentation.

Why it matters

This victory marks a significant milestone for Vekic, as she captured the biggest title of her career. The title also generates renewed interest in the WTA Tour, emphasizing how unexpected paths can lead to success. Both Vekic and Raducanu are positioned to be seeded at the upcoming Wimbledon tournament.

Background

On May 20, 2026, Vekic lost a qualifying match against Anna Blinkova but earned a spot in the main draw due to Kostyuk’s withdrawal. Raducanu’s road to the final included playing two matches on the same day, resulting in an upper leg injury occurring just before the final. On May 26, 2026, Raducanu showcased her resilience by defeating Kamilla Rakhimova and Iva Jović, though this strenuous effort likely impacted her performance in the final.

What's next

The Wimbledon tournament starts on June 29, 2026, where both players will seek to leverage their recent performances to secure high seedings.