Raducanu Secures Spot in Queen’s Semi-finals After Intense Quarter-final
Emma Raducanu is set to compete in her second match of the day on Saturday, having advanced to the semi-finals at Queen’s. The British number one defeated Kamilla Rakhimova in a challenging quarter-final match, winning 6-3, 7-5. Raducanu will return to the Andy Murray Arena shortly to face sixth seed Iva Jovic.
Medical Concern During Match
Concerns were raised during the second set when Raducanu slipped on the grass court, requiring an off-court medical timeout. The quarter-final match, originally scheduled for Friday evening, was postponed due to lengthy play and had to be rescheduled for Saturday morning. Both players took to the court at 12:30 PM, an hour earlier than initially planned for the day’s schedule.
Match Highlights and Delays
The match saw both players struggle with their serves on the right side of the umpire’s chair. Raducanu faced early break points but managed to hold serve. She then secured a break in a lengthy game, only for her opponent to level the score. An unusual delay occurred when planes from the Trooping the Colour event flew directly over Queen’s Club, forcing a pause in play. Both players waited at the baseline until the aircraft passed, after which Raducanu held serve to love and then broke her opponent’s serve to take the first set.
Second Set Drama and Injury Scare
Raducanu started the second set with a break, seemingly moving closer to victory. However, in the fifth game, she slipped on the grass, prompting the umpire to check on her. Though she initially continued playing, she called for the physio at the next changeover and left the court for a medical timeout. Upon her return, Raducanu’s left thigh was heavily strapped. She initially struggled, facing three break points in her next service game, ultimately losing the break. Her opponent then took the lead in the set for the first time.
Raducanu Fights Back to Secure Victory
Despite the strapping seeming to hinder her, Raducanu removed it during the subsequent changeover. This appeared to be a turning point, as she broke serve to have an opportunity to serve for the match. The momentum swung again, with Rakhimova saving a match point with a lucky net cord and then another with a well-placed winner. However, on the third match point, Raducanu secured the win.
Looking Ahead to the Semi-finals
This marks the biggest grass-court semi-final of Raducanu’s career, as Queen’s is a WTA 500 event. She will face Iva Jovic, who has demonstrated strong form on grass, having won the Ilkley trophy last year. The physical condition of Raducanu following her mid-match scare will be a key factor as she prepares for her next challenge.
