“Growing up and playing on the tour, I was always jealous of the boys getting to play on this court, at this amazing club,” Vekic said. “I’m very grateful that since last year we have the opportunity to play here as well.
“This is my favourite time of year, my favourite surface, and I really made the most of it this week. I will see you all in two weeks at Wimbledon.”
Donna Vekic’s path to the HSBC Championships title
First round: bt. Mika Stojsavljevic (GBR) 6-2, 6-3
Second round: bt. Marie Bouzkova (CZE) 7-6(9), 6-3
Quarter-final: bt. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
Semi-final: bt. Katie Boulter (GBR) 6-1, 6-3
Final: bt. Emma Raducanu (GBR) 6-0, 7-6(6)
For Raducanu, this week has been an incredible start to the grass court season, reaching her second final of the year and her first at WTA 500 level.
The British No.1 came into Queen’s without a win since March, but she has shown that she can be a challenger for the biggest titles on grass, both this year and in the future.
“What a week,” Raducanu said. “It’s been an incredible week for me, making the final here in my home city at my home tournament, where I feel the best. The support I’ve received all week has been incredible so I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone.
“Today was a really tough match. Donna played extremely well from the start to the finish.”
Vekic picked up where she left off from her semi-final against Boulter – striking the ball with big power and precision.
She broke Raducanu straight away with two clean winners off either wing and was doing a great job of keeping the Brit off her rhythm.
Vekic completed a near flawless set in just 28 minutes, but Raducanu gave the perfect response in the second.
As the Croatian’s level started to drop and Raducanu could get her teeth into more rallies, she found more success.
After getting on the scoreboard with a crucial hold, she went on to break Vekic and ignited the British crowd around the Andy Murray Arena.
Momentum seemed to completely swing in the Brit’s favour and the former US Open champion let out a huge roar as Vekic sent a forehand long to give her a second break and a 5-2 lead.
The Brit had two set points serving at 5-4 but couldn’t find a way over the line, Vekic produced a few moments of magic to keep asking the question of Raducanu and the pressure eventually told as the former Nottingham champion managed to level the scores.
Raducanu stood strong to save three championship points on serve and then another in the tie-break, but a wayward forehand from the Brit at the fifth time of asking brought an end to a high-quality match.