HSBC Championships 2026: Emma Raducanu & Katie Boulter on doubles partnership, Queen’s & returning on grass

Playing at the HSBC Championships where they made their doubles debut together last year, the British No.1 and No.3 are set to re-ignite their partnership once more.

For both players, it provides the opportunity to get more matches on grass, but also experience the electric atmosphere and home support they felt during their debut event last year.

“It’s really nice to play with Katie,” Raducanu said, speaking to the press ahead of the HSBC Championships.

“We try to make Queen’s our tournament that we play together. I don’t play doubles very often, but the experience last year was really fun.

“We had a full Court 1 watching and supporting us and it was really fun. I’m excited to hopefully do it again this year and the opportunity to play with her on a home court.”

Boulter added, “For the moment, Queen’s is the perfect place for us to get some matches and some time on the grass.

“I really enjoyed my time last year playing with her; it was super fun, but also we both really wanted to win and had one goal in mind.”

Raducanu is looking to recapture the form that took her to her first WTA final since the 2021 US Open earlier this season.

The British star has had a lengthy spell on the sidelines this season and only managed to make the final couple of events during the clay court swing.

The 23-year-old discussed her ambitions to play a more aggressive game style this year, which will benefit her on a surface she’s found a lot of success on in the past.

As a former quarter-finalist here last year and having reached the fourth round at Wimbledon on two separate occasions, she’ll no doubt be one to watch this year.

“A lot starts from the beginning of the point with serving and returning,” Raducanu explained, reflecting on how she wants to play on court. “I think that’s highlighted on the grass courts, so it’s working on the quality of the shot for those two would be where I’d start. It’s what I’ve been working on for the last couple of weeks on the grass.

“I took a long time away from competing, so from Strasbourg to the French, it did teach me a few things that I can hopefully take into the grass season.

“I haven’t had many matches leading up to it, but I’ve been doing what I can day-to-day. That’s all I can ask of myself.”

For British players, this time of year is particularly special, returning to compete on home soil. None more so than Boulter, who is a two-time former Lexus Nottingham Open champion.

The 29-year-old was all smiles heading into her week in West London, and is just enjoying every minute being back at one of her favourite events.

“When you go into a grass season, it takes me back to my childhood,” Boulter said. “I think that’s one of the most familiar feelings that really makes me feel great about myself.

“It takes me back to where I first started and it very much grounds me. To be out there on the lawn playing and enjoying myself really does resonate with me as a child. That’s why I have so much fun.

“I’m really happy to be back at Queen’s – what an iconic tournament. It’s a pleasure to be here a second year in a row and I’m really looking forward to getting going and starting my grass court campaign.”

While Raducanu will face a qualifier in the opening round, Boulter has been dealt a tough draw against former US Open finalist and world No.22 Leylah Fernandez.

Despite the almost 50 place difference in the world rankings, Boulter is hoping that her grass court experience can give her the vital edge when the two meet on Monday.

“I played her in Billie Jean King Cup in Malaga. I remember it being a very high level from both of us. We both bring some great intensity out of each other.

“Playing an established player straight off the bat is never going to be easy. I’m playing someone seeded, someone I shouldn’t beat, but I think it’s an opportunity for me as someone who has spent a lot of time on the grass courts to try and bring some experience to that match.

“She’s made the final of a Slam, she’s a fantastic player and she’s also a lovely human as well, I like her a lot. She’s going to bring her best to the court, I’ll bring mine, and I’m excited for a challenge.”

The HSBC Championships get underway from Monday 8 June. Watch the action live across the BBC and its digital services.