Emma Raducanu begins the grass-court season with a straight-sets victory at Queen’s Club, defeating qualifier Anna Blinkova 6-0, 6-3 to reach the second round. The match is described across reports as a controlled, one-sided performance, with Raducanu playing as she said was close to her “natural” game and feeling comfortable on the surface. She credits the win to her movement and overall confidence during the match, describing it as a “stepping stone” for the grass season rather than an isolated result. Raducanu’s win comes after a period without match play since her previous tournament appearance, with one report noting she is returning to action following a disappointing first-round exit at the French Open. The Guardian adds that Raducanu sees the result as a potential launchpad for the coming weeks on grass. Coverage also notes that Jack Draper pulls out of the men’s event to continue recovery, as Raducanu advances in the women’s draw.