Marta Kostyuk withdrew from Queen’s due to a right ankle injury, and Donna Vekic entered the draw as a lucky loser to face Mika Stojsavljevic.

A symbolic moment saw Raducanu write 'back home' with a heart on the TV camera lens as she exited, signaling a positive mindset and return to grass-court action.

Emma Raducanu opened her grass-court season with a commanding 6-0, 6-3 victory over Anna Blinkova at the HSBC Championships in London, advancing to the second round.

Raducanu dominated the first set, stifling Blinkova to six points and seizing control with early breaks, including a 3-0 lead after a brief rain delay.

Blinkova fought back in the second set, breaking Raducanu twice, but Raducanu steadied and finished the match with a second break point, completing it in one hour.

Raducanu has prior Queen’s Club momentum, reaching the quarter-finals last year as the event marked a revival of women’s tennis at Queen’s after a long hiatus.

She reunited with former US Open coach Andrew Richardson, with supporters Tim Henman and Laura Robson watching the coaching change unfold.

The London crowd’s enthusiasm was evident, and Raducanu expressed appreciation for the atmosphere and the chance to compete at Queen’s Club.

Raducanu conveyed happiness to compete at Queen’s, grateful for support and relief after months without a win.

This victory marked Raducanu’s first win since Indian Wells, following her post-viral illness and the coaching changes, including reuniting with Andrew Richardson.

Her return to form comes amid discussions of Serena Williams’ comeback, highlighted in related press conference material.

Raducanu is set to face Romanian seventh seed Sorana Cirstea in the next round.