The women's tournament at Queen's Club has dramatically overshadowed its male counterpart in its second year, drawing sell-out crowds and generating an electric atmosphere that the men's event, hampered by injuries and a weak field, could not match.
Serena Williams' return and British success drive ticket sales
The women's event, which returned to Queen's after a 52-year absence, sold more than 70,000 tickets with 98% capacity over the week, selling out on five of seven days. The highlight was Serena Williams' first appearance at the club, playing doubles with Victoria Mboko after four years in retirement. Although Mboko suffered a torn medial collateral ligament in her first-round match, the tournament showcased impressive performances from British players: Katie Boulter defeated world No. 2 Elena Rybakina to reach the semi-finals, and Emma Raducanu won two matches in a day to reach her biggest final since the 2021 US Open.
Men's event weakened by injuries and tax laws
In contrast, the men's event featured only one top-10 player, Alex de Minaur, due to injuries to Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper, Lorenzo Musetti, Rafael Jódar, and Holger Rune. The UK's more comprehensive tax laws for international players also give the Halle tournament, which had seven of the top 11 players, a competitive advantage. Despite general sale tickets selling out in less than a day, the men's field was notably weak.
Prize money gap narrows but remains significant
The LTA increased the women's prize money by more than a third to $1,915,000, making it the second highest for a standalone WTA 500 event. By comparison, the men's prize money stood at €2,583,330, a 2.4% increase in line with other ATP 500 events. While the gap remains large, it has narrowed.
Organisational challenges overcome
The LTA navigated challenges including concerns from Queen's Club members about the additional week of professional play, criticism of London-centricity, and questions about court wear. However, the success of the women's event, with joyful moments and unforgettable atmospheres, dismissed lingering reservations. Donna Vekic, a lucky loser, eventually defeated Raducanu to win the biggest title of her career.
According to the LTA, the women's tournament is building momentum to establish itself as a self-sufficient staple of the British summer and one of the best WTA tournaments on the tour.
