Emma Raducanu faces nerves but wins first doubles match at Queen's

In a moment marking a significant event for women's tennis in the UK, Emma Raducanu and her doubles partner Katie Boulter made their debut at Queen's Club, where women's tennis had not been featured for over half a century. This match, which took place at the historic venue that held its first women's event in 52 years, was significant not only for the players involved but also for the sport in the country. The British duo played against Wu Fang-Hsien and Jiang Xinyu, securing victory in a straight sets win of 6-4, 6-2. This event represented a blend of pressure and excitement as both players sought to enhance their preparations ahead of the upcoming Wimbledon Championship. Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, disclosed that she felt “very nervous” before stepping onto the court for her first doubles appearance. Raducanu had only previously participated in doubles once, which indicates the novelty of the experience for her. Yet, the home crowd at Queen's provided her with a supportive atmosphere, which bolstered her confidence during the match. As they started strong with an early break in the first set, the partnership's synergy grew, showing promise for future collaborations, particularly concerning their doubles performance. Boulter, who has been coping with back spasms for most of the spring season, expressed satisfaction with her own physical condition as they wrapped up the match in approximately an hour and eleven minutes. The rapport between the two players was evident on the court, where they quickly adapted to each other's playing styles—Boulter’s power complements Raducanu’s agility at the net. The match also serves as a stepping stone for both players as they aim for seed spots at the Wimbledon Championship, highlighting the importance of preparation during the grass court season. Despite the joyous atmosphere post-match, Raducanu indicated that conversations about continuing their partnership beyond Queen's event had not formally occurred. The duo's intentions seemed focused on maximizing their present performance rather than committing to future events. Nevertheless, the light-hearted jab from Boulter about chasing the Wimbledon title underscores the competitive spirit they share as elite athletes. Overall, this match not only started the grass court season for these players but also reignited attention on women's tennis in the UK, potentially inspiring future generations.