For the first time since 1973, women’s tennis will return to the iconic Queen’s Club in London this June, marking a historic moment for the sport.
The HSBC Championships will feature top-ranked players, including British number one Katie Boulter, former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka, and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys.
A Milestone for Women’s Tennis
The event, scheduled to take place from June 7-15, will elevate the stature of the British grass-court season. The last time a women’s event was held at Queen’s, Soviet player Olga Morozova claimed the title. Now, over five decades later, some of the world’s best female players will grace its courts once again.
Boulter, who has held the British number one ranking since June 2023, expressed her excitement about playing at Queen’s:
“I used to watch the [men’s] tournament every year growing up, so to be able to compete at such a wonderful, historic, and iconic event is an honour.”
She also emphasized the significance of winning the title on home soil:
“To win that title as a British player would be an absolute dream, and I will do everything I can to get myself in that position.”
The Rich History of Queen’s Club
Founded in 1886, Queen’s Club has long been one of the most prestigious venues in British tennis.
Originally established as the first multi-sport club in the world, it has played host to various athletic events, including tennis, racquets, and real tennis.
It quickly became renowned for its grass courts, attracting elite players from around the world.
The club has been the traditional warm-up venue for Wimbledon, particularly for male players, with the Queen’s Club Championships (now known as the Cinch Championships) being one of the most significant ATP events.
Past champions include legendary figures such as John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray.
Although women’s tennis was part of Queen’s Club’s history, the last women’s tournament was played in 1973. Since then, the club has primarily hosted men’s professional tennis, making this year’s revival of the women’s event a momentous occasion.
Raducanu’s Return to Grass
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is also set to compete. After an injury-plagued period, she made a strong comeback last season, reaching the Wimbledon fourth round and making deep runs in Nottingham and Eastbourne.
An Exciting Lineup
Tournament director Laura Robson hailed the return of women’s tennis to Queen’s as a landmark occasion:
“Fans will see some of the best female players on the planet, and with three Grand Slam champions and the British number one in the mix, it promises to be a spectacular return to The Queen’s Club for women’s tennis.”
With Queen’s Club’s illustrious past and its significance in British tennis history, the return of a women’s event adds a new chapter to its legacy, promising an exciting and competitive tournament for players and fans alike.
