Women’s Tennis Returns to Queen’s After 52-Year Wait — A New Era Begins
It’s been over five decades, but finally, women’s tennis is back at Queen’s Club in London — and what a statement it’s made.
Just imagine it: Emma Raducanu standing on the iconic Andy Murray Arena, bathed in the golden evening light, soaking in the applause of a full crowd. It was more than just a win that day — it was history in motion. Her quarterfinal spot wasn't just personal progress; it marked a revival, a message, a movement. The Lawn Tennis Association had finally brought women’s tennis back to Queen’s for the first time since 1973. And Raducanu — the face of a new generation — embodied exactly why that mattered.
Back in the day, Queen’s was a joint event. But the unpredictable British weather and a packed schedule pushed the women’s competition out. It moved to Eastbourne, leaving Queen’s to host only men’s matches for 50 long years. In that time, Queen’s built a reputation — traditional, exclusive, even a bit elitist. Married women champions were listed under their husbands’ names. Diversity wasn’t its strong suit, and progress felt... slow.
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Fast forward to 2025. The women’s tournament didn’t just return — it redefined the atmosphere. Tickets were cheaper, the crowd younger and more diverse. Players like Madison Keys and Tatjana Maria brought world-class talent, and the audience responded with real energy. Maria, at 37, shocked the world — beating four top-20 players to win the title. A mother of two, ranked outside the top 80 just a week earlier, lifting a WTA 500 trophy? That’s not just impressive, it’s inspirational.
And let’s talk about Qinwen Zheng. The Olympic champion played a thriller against Raducanu, eventually ending the home favorite’s run. But the match was electric — a highlight of the week. Zheng's poise under pressure showed why she’s world No. 4 now. Meanwhile, British players like Katie Boulter and Heather Watson talked about what it meant just to compete there. For them, this wasn’t just another tournament — it was a long-overdue opportunity to shine on home soil.
Of course, Queen’s hasn’t lost all of its old charm. The club still breathes tradition, from its Pimm’s-sipping members to the preppy dress code. But there’s a shift underway. Legal threats from old-guard members who opposed the women’s event faded into the background, and tournament director Laura Robson is pushing hard for inclusivity, accessibility, and a more modern identity.
And it’s working. Over 52,000 fans walked through the gates. It’s already one of the highest-attended women’s-only events this year, rivaling the Canadian Open and Charleston. Players love the venue. Robson wants it to be seen not just as a WTA 500 — but perhaps something even bigger down the line. A true landmark on the calendar.
Sure, prize money still isn’t equal — $1.4 million for the women compared to $2.9 million for the men — and won’t be until 2029. But the direction is finally right. The return of women’s tennis to Queen’s isn’t just symbolic. It’s foundational. It’s a reminder of where tennis has been, but more importantly, where it’s going.
So here we are — not just watching a tournament, but witnessing a turning point.
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