Emma Raducanu becomes British No1 for first time in two years after beating star who's blind in one eye at Queen's
EMMA RADUCANU became British No.1 for the first time in two years – and then welcomed Wimbledon's player security boost.
A 6-4 6-1 crushing of Slovakian Rebecca Sramkova, who is blind in her left eye, put Raducanu in the quarter-finals of the new WTA Queen's event.
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Following doubles pal Katie Boulter 's rain-interrupted 2-6 6-3 6-2 defeat to bandana-wearing Russian Diana Shnaider, the former US Open champion is BrItain's top player for the first time since June 11, 2023.
Raducanu, 22, said: 'I'm really pleased to get through that.
'I don't think it was my cleanest performance but I'm really pleased to push through in the tight moments.
'I love playing in moments like this with big crowds. They're all supporting me, which is nice.
'Having Katie in front, it was nice for me to have something to chase. Now I'm sure she's going to enjoy that with me.
'The grass season is still young, and so is the rest of the season.
'We have a healthy competition between us two. I want to see her do well. She wants to see me do well. It was nice to also play doubles with her this week.'
Ahead of the 2025 Championships, Wimbledon will beef up security to protect female stars following Raducanu's 'really worrying' stalker saga, saying: It's our top priority.
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Raducanu was stalked by a man across multiple countries earlier this year and burst into tears when she spotted the individual in the stands for her match in Dubai.
Boulter, 28, has also spoken in the past about the horrific abuse she has received online – and how she was once followed in a car by a stranger.
'It's wildly inappropriate' - Moment Emma Raducanu's opponent intervenes and ushers cameraman away
Wimbledon chief executive Sally Bolton said: 'The safety and wellbeing of all of the players is our absolute top priority.
'The recent incidents coming to light certainly recognise the concern that has been generated by that.
'But we have in place – and have had for many years – processes for ensuring the safety of our players.
'That is in liaison with law enforcement agencies, specialist security teams and we liaise with both tours.
'And that is year-round, not just in preparation for The Championships.'
Raducanu welcomed the news, saying: 'I think feeling safe, feeling secure is extremely important. You know, playing at home, there is heightened tension.
'But for me, whenever I played at Wimbledon, I felt very well protected, very safe.
'I'm looking forward to going there, and I don't think I will feel much of a difference.'
Qualifier Heather Watson rode on a Lime electric bike to Queen's but was soon on her bike out of the tournament, losing 6-4 6-2 to former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
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