Emma Raducanu has secured her position as the top female tennis player in Britain by defeating Rebecca Sramkova 6-4, 6-1 at Queen’s, advancing to the quarter-finals. This victory means Raducanu will reclaim the British No 1 spot next week, surpassing Katie Boulter who was defeated by Diana Shnaider.

Raducanu, currently ranked world No 35, will rise to the top of British tennis for the first time in two years. Her journey back to the top comes after a challenging period of injuries that saw her drop out of the top 300 in 2023.

Despite the significance of this achievement, Raducanu remains focused on her performance rather than rankings. She expressed her healthy competition with Boulter, emphasizing their mutual support and camaraderie on and off the court.

In her match against Sramkova, Raducanu displayed exceptional skill and control, dominating most exchanges from the baseline. Although Sramkova put up a fight, Raducanu's aggressive playstyle and powerful returns secured her a comfortable victory.

Raducanu's preparation for Queen’s was marred by back spasms, but she has shown resilience and strength throughout the tournament. With trusted coaches by her side, including Mark Petchey and former coach Nick Cavaday, Raducanu is poised for continued success.

Looking ahead, Raducanu faces a tough challenge against top seed Zheng Qinwen in the upcoming match, providing a true test of her current form and abilities.

Katie Boulter, who was defeated by Shnaider in a hard-fought match, congratulated Raducanu on her achievement and looks forward to the healthy competition between them. Despite the loss, Boulter remains determined to climb the rankings and push her limits.

Raducanu's victory and rise to British No 1 mark a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her talent and determination on the tennis court.