Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu begin their singles campaigns at Queen’s Club with contrasting victories, having triumphed in the first round as a doubles pair on Monday.
Boulter and Raducanu made for an impressive duo as they romped to a straight-sets win on Andy Murray Arena, and both faced qualifiers in the first round of the singles draw: Boulter first beat Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in three sets, before Raducanu swept aside Spaniard Cristina Bucsa 6-1, 6-2. On Court 1, Heather Watson progressed to the second round.
The top four seeds – Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, Americans Madison Keys and Emma Navarro, and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina – have been given byes to the second round at Queen’s, while Raducanu could meet seventh seed and reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejciova.
Follow all the tennis scores and latest action from Queen’s Club below.
Queen's Club – latest updates
- Women's first round matches continue at Queen's Club
- Katie Boulter begins singles campaign with three-set win over Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic
- Emma Raducan beats Spain's Cristina Bucsa 6-1, 6-2 on Andy Murray Arena
- Heather Watson through in straight sets; Francesca Jones in action on Court 1
Earlier: Boulter beats Tomljanovic in three-set battle
17:03 , Lawrence OstlereBritish number one Katie Boulter battled through her grass court singles season opener to claim a 7-6 (4) 1-6 6-4 victory over Australian qualifier Ajla Tomljanovic at Queen's.
The 28-year-old, who secured a doubles victory alongside compatriot Emma Raducanu on Monday, was broken in her opening game, but found herself in a position to serve for the set after taking a 5-3 advantage.
But Tomljanovic immediately broke back, eventually forcing an opening set tiebreak in which she was edged out by an emphatic winner from Boulter.
Tomljanovic held the first game of the second set before Boulter, who struggled with her first serves, bounced back from a pair of double faults to make it 1-1.
The qualifier then seized control, winning five straight games to force a deciding set, and made it six games in a row when she claimed the first game of the third.
Boulter began to swing the contest in her favour, breaking Tomljanovic's serve three times to make it 5-4 and, with the Australian serving to stay in it, digging deep to see herself through after nearly two-and-a-half hours.
Emma Raducanu speaks
17:01 , Lawrence Ostlere“I was quite locked in today, I was very pleased with my performance. I was a bit nervous – it’s my first time playing on this court.”
On adjusting to grass: “There were a certain shots that I was a bit late on, so I need to go away and work on that.”
Game, set, match! Emma Raducanu wins 6-1, 6-2 Cristina Bucsa
16:54 , Lawrence OstlereEmma Raducanu books her place in the second round at Queen’s with a dominant straight sets victory over Cristina Bucsa, winning her final service game to 15. The next round is likely to be much tougher, but that is a great start to the grass-court season for the British No 2.
Emma Raducanu* 6-1, 5-2 Cristina Bucsa
16:53 , Lawrence OstlereBucsa holds, and Raducanu will have the chance to serve for the match.
Emma Raducanu 6-1, 5-1 *Cristina Bucsa
16:51 , Lawrence OstlereRaducanu gets in a rare sticky situation on her own serve, as Bucsa plays a delightful drop shot to bring up 30-all. The Briton hits a firm backhand winner to edge ahead before Bucsa earns deuce, and then a slip by Raducanu offers up a first break point to the Spaniard. It’s brilliantly saved by Raducanu, attacking with the second serve out wide before whipping a forehand winner to the opposite side. Raducanu digs in to hold, and she leads 5-1.
Emma Raducanu* 6-1, 4-1 Cristina Bucsa
16:41 , Lawrence OstlereBucsa gets herself ahead at 40-30 but hits the net with a forehand slice. Yet she recovers with a good show of aggression, stepping to the net, followed by an ace to finally get herself on the board in the second set.
Emma Raducanu 6-1, 4-0 *Cristina Bucsa
16:34 , Lawrence OstlereRaducanu is just dominating all over the court, mixing up piercing groundstrokes with some ruthless work at the net. Another break, another hold, and she’s closing in on victory.
Emma Raducanu 6-1, 2-0 *Cristina Bucsa
16:25An excellent start to the second set by Raducanu, who continues her momentum from the first with an instant break, backed up by a solid hold.
First set! Emma Raducanu* 6-1 Cristina Bucsa
16:17 , Lawrence OstlereWell that was impressive. Raducanu steamrolls through the first set and she’s halfway to the second round.
Emma Raducanu* 5-1 Cristina Bucsa
16:14 , Lawrence OstlereDouble break! Raducanu races into a dominant position and she’s already serving for the first set.
Emma Raducanu* 3-1 Cristina Bucsa
16:08 , Lawrence OstlereRaducanu earns herself two break points and only needs one, returning powerfully on the backhand side before charging into the net and executing the perfect grass court point, slicing deep, rushing in behind and volleying away the winner.
Emma Raducanu 2-1 Cristina Bucsa*
16:03 , Lawrence OstlereRaducanu races to 40-0 before spraying a sitter of a forehand well wide. A couple of double faults follow, and suddenly it’s deuce, but she shakes off the setback to hold.
Her new (old) coach, Mark Petchey, is watching on from the stands.
*Emma Raducanu 1-1 Cristina Bucsa
15:57 , Lawrence OstlereRaducanu shows some confidence with her serve as she works through a quick hold to settle any early nerves. Bucsa responds with a solid hold of her own.
*denotes next server.
Emma Raducanu v Cristina Bucsa
15:51 , Lawrence OstlereHere we go, then – the warm-up is done and it’s Emma Raducanu to serve.
Emma Raducanu on court to face Cristina Bucsa
15:49 , Lawrence OstlereRaducanu has a tough draw here at Queen’s and is likely to face reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejciova in the second round. That will be a great test, but she has a tough qualifier to see off first.
Bucsa is outside the top 100 in the world right now but has been as high as No 56 last year, having reached the second round of every grand slam at some point over the past couple of years. The 27-year-old won their only previous meeting together.
Emma Raducanu on court to face Cristina Bucsa
15:44 , Lawrence OstlereEmma Raducanu strides out on the court to a loud cheer from those fans who have remained in their seats – though plenty have taken the time to grab refreshments after that lengthy three-setter.
Katie Boulter through to the second round
15:41 , Lawrence OstlereA good win for Boulter, digging deep against an experienced opponent to get her grass-court season up and running.
Game, set, match! Boulter 7-6(4), 1-6, 6-4 Tomljanovic
15:35 , Lawrence OstlereBoulter and Tomljanovic exchange holds of serve and now pressure is on the Australian to hold – Boulter races to 15-40 after a lovely passing shot to earn two match points, and a Tomljanovic errs long to cede it!
Boulter 7-6(4) 1-6 4-3 Tomljanovic*
15:16Tomljanovic breaks!
Boulter goes wayward suddenly and the Aussie breaks to 15.
Any chance of a hold of serve?!
*Boulter 7-6(4) 1-6 4-2 Tomljanovic
15:14Boulter breaks!
Astonishing. Tomljanovic looks in cruise control at 40-15 but a few whopping Boulter groundstrokes gives her a foothold - and she’s back with a break advantage!
Which way will this match turn next?
Tomljanovic breaks! *Boulter 7-6(4) 1-6 3-2 Tomljanovic
15:07 , Kieran JacksonBig forehand winner up the line at 15-15 sparks a big “come on!” in the direction of her player box, which includes fiancee and Australian No 1 Alex de Minaur!
Tomljanovic responds with a big forehand winner of her own for 30-30, and then forces Boulter into a wayward forehand for break point!
And Boulter goes long! Ah, what a let-off for the Aussie...
Back on serve!
Boulter breaks! *Boulter 7-6(4) 1-6 3-1 Tomljanovic
15:03What a turnaround here!
Boulter is a different player, more authoritative with her shots, and breaks the Aussie again!
Boulter 7-6(4) 1-6 2-1 Tomljanovic*
14:59 , Kieran JacksonA comfortable hold for Boulter - and much needed after being broken three times in a row!
Is this the momentum swing she needs in this first round contest?
Boulter breaks! *Boulter 7-6(4) 1-6 1-1 Tomljanovic
14:56 , Kieran JacksonBig moment for Boulter in this match!
A fortunate net cord at 15-0 sees Tomljanovic get to 30-0, and a cracking inside-out backhand at 30-15 brings up two game points!
But Tomljaonic makes two errors for deuce, before another error - and Boulter breaks back with a forehand winner!
Back on serve...
Tomljanovic breaks! Boulter 7-6(4) 1-6 0-1 Tomljanovic*
14:51A bad start to the game for Boulter with two double faults eventually brings up 15-40 and two break points for the Aussie!
She saves the first one with an aggressive first serve and the second as her opponent goes long - a big “Come on!” from the Brit!
Yet a solid volley at the net brings up a third break point and Boulter goes long on the forehand!
Boulter down a break in the third...
Second set! *Boulter 7-6(4) 1-6 Tomljanovic
14:46 , Kieran JacksonAn ace will do it for Tomljanovic - and she steamrolls to the second set!
We go to a decider...
Tomljaonic breaks again! Boulter 7-6(4) 1-5 Tomljanovic*
14:41 , Kieran JacksonSecond set all but over, surely?!
Tomljanovic has found another level with her groundstrokes and she breaks again at 4-1!
The Australian qualifier will now serve for the second set!
Tomljaonic breaks! Boulter 7-6(4) 1-3 Tomljanovic*
14:33A routine hold for the Aussie, before Boulter has a game to forget!
Some errors bring up 0-40 and though she saves one break point, a big error with the whole court available gives Tomljanoic a key foothold in this second set!
Boulter 7-6(4) 0-1 Tomljanovic*
14:25 , Kieran JacksonA cracking backhand down-the-line winner from Boulter at 30-30, before a cheap double fault brings the game to deuce!
Yet Tomljanovic goes wide before Boulter finds her first serve at a crucial time!
A game apiece in the second!
*Boulter 7-6(4) 0-1 Tomljanovic
14:18 , Kieran JacksonA key hold for the Aussie, as she looks to regroup after losing that first set!
Heather Watson is through!
14:18 , Kieran JacksonJoyous scenes on Court 1 as Watson progresses to the second round!
The Brit, who came through qualifying, has a big smile on her face as she comes through against Yulia Putintseva, 6-4, 6-3!
First set! Boulter 7-6(4) Tomljanovic*
14:12 , Lawrence OstlereIt’s 3-3 at the change of ends. At 4-3 down, Boulter dishes out two powerful first serves to move up 5-4 and put pressure on her opponent, which pays off after a deep return to open up a set point… and Boulter takes it a with a pinpoint forehand winner!
*Boulter 6-6 Tomljanovic
14:05 , Lawrence OstlereBoulter holds, Tomljanovic holds too after a couple of unforced errors by Boulter at deuce, and this one is heading to a tie-break.
*Boulter 5-5 Tomljanovic
14:00 , Lawrence OstlereBut Boulter can’t take the opportunity, sliding to 30-40 and Tomljanovic fires a return to clinch the break back. The Australian holds, and they’re back level.
*Boulter 5-3 Tomljanovic
13:52 , Lawrence OstlereBoulter breaks, and punches the air. She’s serving for the first set...
Watson 6-4 Putintseva
13:51 , Lawrence OstlereHeather Watson is motoring on Court 1 and has chalked up the first set against Yulia Putintseva.
*Boulter 2-2 Tomljanovic
13:31 , Lawrence OstlereAfter two quick breaks, two quick holds for both players. Boulter looks to have settled nicely now after a dicey opening game.
*Boulter 1-1 Tomljanovic
13:28 , Lawrence OstlereWhat a start on Andy Murray Arena, with a break apiece to kick-off off the match.
*denotes next server
Andy Murray Arena
12:53 , Lawrence OstlereAnd on the main show court, the British Nos 1 and 2 are followed by the Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Ajla Tomljanovic v Katie Boulter – 1pm BST
Emma Raducanu v Cristina Bucsa
Rebecca Sramcova v Barbora Krejcikova
Court 1 – order of play
12:49 , Lawrence OstlereSo the players are about to emerge for the first match on Court 1, with Britain’s Heather Watson taking on Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan. Here’s the full line-up:
Heather Watson v Yulia Putintseva
Francesca Jones v McCartney Kessler
Diana Shnaider v Magdalena Frech
Murray not ruling out return to coaching
12:28 , Lawrence Ostlereir Andy Murray has not ruled out a return to coaching despite his short-lived link-up with former world number one Novak Djokovic coming to an end after just four tournaments last month.
Murray was speaking at Queen's Club in London, whose centre court was officially inaugurated as the Andy Murray Arena on Monday ahead of the venue's new WTA 500 event, the first time the west London site has hosted women's tennis in 52 years.
Murray, who retired from playing after the 2024 Olympics, linked up with Djokovic in November and despite the pair terminating their relationship in May, the 38-year-old says he may accept a similar role in the future.
Murray told BBC Sport: "I would do it again at some stage. I don't think that will happen immediately.
"I wasn't planning on going into coaching as soon as I finished playing but it was a pretty unique opportunity. It was a chance to learn from one of the best athletes of all time.
"It was a brilliant opportunity for me. We got to spend some really nice moments away from the court. Results weren't as we wanted but we gave it a go."
Court 1 walk-on set for 12.45pm
12:21 , Lawrence OstlereThere is a bit of weather about in west London today and play has been delayed until at least 12.45pm, reports our man on the ground, Kieran Jackson.
Boultucanu and a journey into the unknown
12:16 , Lawrence OstlereBy Flo Clifford at Queen’s Club:
Spectators had been queuing for an hour outside Court One in the hopes of catching a glimpse of Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu. One immaculately-dressed lady, a parody of Queen’s genteel West Kensington surroundings, complained that she had bought tickets for the Andy Murray Arena in the expectation that Britain's top two female singles players would be in action there, and seemed baffled that she couldn’t access the smaller court they had in fact been assigned.
Those who had secured tickets for the small, intimate Court One enjoyed the sight of a fired-up Raducanu and Boulter securing their first win of the grass-court season, and their first as a somewhat surprising doubles pairing. The pair beat doubles specialists Xinyu Jiang of China and Fang-Hsien Wu of Taiwan 6-4, 6-2, in a match that was a fascinating insight into both players’ attitude at the start of the swing.
Read more:
Raducanu and Boulter journey into the unknown: ‘We’re going for the Wimbledon title’
Yesterday at Queen's
12:09 , Lawrence OstlereRaducanu did not mind the venue, adding: “I think sometimes on the smaller courts you get a bigger feel for the match, the atmosphere and the environment, because it’s a lot closer, more intimate, and you hear the support more.
“For me, I love playing on those smaller, outside courts where you really feel the support and the crowd gets into it. I was filling my bottle up, and I was literally having a chat in the stands because that’s how close it is.”
Yesterday at Queen's
12:02 , Lawrence OstlereFans on social media were quick to complain that the match was not available to watch in full on the BBC, who did provide updates on the British pair but focused on the action on the newly-christened Andy Murray Arena, where the three-time grand slam winner was honoured in a morning ceremony.
The PA news agency understands it was an editorial decision by the broadcaster to show Sonay Kartal’s singles victory over world number 16 Daria Kasatkina of Australia, played on the rebranded centre court and overlapping with Raducanu and Boulter’s win.
PA also understands contractual considerations between a number of stakeholders – including the WTA and LTA – contributed to the contest being held on the smaller court.
Yesterday at Queen's
11:49 , Lawrence OstlereThis Queen’s partnership, Raducanu revealed, came “spontaneously”, after a few close calls where she and Boulter nearly joined forces at Madrid, Paris and Miami.
Asked it could extend as far as Wimbledon, Raducanu replied: “We haven’t spoken about it. It worked pretty well, so we’re just going to keep on trying to do as best we can this week.”
Boulter joked: “Scrap what she said – we’re going for the Wimbledon title! No, I’m just kidding.”
Yesterday at Queen's
11:41 , Lawrence Ostlere“I was actually very nervous before the match,” said 2021 US Open champion Raducanu, who will take on Spanish qualifier Cristina Bucsa in her opening singles match on Tuesday afternoon.
“I don’t know if you could tell, but, yeah, probably more nervous than the singles, because I just didn’t necessarily know what to do.
“I’m really happy once we got out there, Katie made me feel so comfortable, and I’m just so pleased to get a win.”
Yesterday at Queen's
11:32 , Lawrence OstlereEmma Raducanu confessed she was “very nervous” before making her Queen’s Club debut with doubles partner Katie Boulter after the British pair secured a 6-4 6-2 victory over Wu Fang-Hsien and Jiang Xinyu.
Raducanu had before this played doubles just once, partnering Clara Tauson in round one of the 2022 Washington Open, and alongside Boulter was fully backed by the home crowd on the packed and more intimate Court One.
The WTA 500 event marks the first time in 52 years Queen’s has hosted women’s tennis, and while the pairing of British number one Boulter and number two Raducanu were not quite ready to submit their entries to Wimbledon, there were hugs and fist-pumps aplenty as they got their grass court seasons underway.
Yesterday at Queen's
11:21 , Lawrence OstlereGerman qualifier Tatjana Maria also made it through as she beat former U.S. Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez 7-6 6-2.
Yesterday at Queen's
11:13 , Lawrence OstlereBrazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia came from a set down to beat former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and reach the second round of the new WTA 500 event at Queen's Club on Monday.
After a 52-year gap since the last top-tier women's event was held at the London grasscourt club, it was fitting that twice Wimbledon winner Kvitova opened proceedings on a court named after former British Wimbledon champion Andy Murray.
After an impressive start on the pristine centre court lawn in front of a sizeable crowd, however, the Czech was unable to hold off her younger opponent who prevailed 2-6 6-4 6-4.
Kvitova, who won her titles at the All England Club in 2011 and 2014, made her comeback from a 17-month maternity break in February and gained entry to the tournament via a protected ranking.
"For sure (Petra) is won of the best players on this surface and it's a privilege to be here," Haddad Maia said.
Queen's – live
10:30 , Lawrence OstlereWelcome along to live coverage from Queen’s Club as Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu get their singles bids underway.
