'The new Emma' - positives Raducanu can take from Queen's to Wimbledon

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, Vekic beats Raducanu in straight sets to win Queen's title By Jonathan Jurejko BBC Sport tennis news reporter at Queen's Published 12 minutes ago For the first time this week, Emma Raducanu sat on her chair and looked forlorn. The British number one had finally succumbed to Croatia's Donna Vekic in a slow-burning Queen's final, unable to save a fifth Championship point and continue a match which she had admirably stoked into a scrap. The 23-year-old has undoubtedly enjoyed a productive week at the quaint club nestled in the Victorian terraces of west London. But missing out on a first WTA Tour title - and a first trophy since that unforgettable US Open victory in 2021 - still hurt. "Right now it obviously really stings, so I'm just going to try and let myself feel it today - but try and get over it pretty quick," Raducanu said. With Wimbledon around the corner, BBC Sport looks at the positives Raducanu can take from her encouraging start to the grass-court season. Raducanu loses Queen's final as trophy wait continues Published 4 hours ago Playing with freedom on a surface that suits her game When Raducanu dissected her French Open first-round exit just three weeks ago in Paris, things looked much bleaker. Skipping the entire clay-court season had been a viable option, considering she had only played four matches in the previous three months because of a viral illness and its after-effects. Instead, Raducanu felt the hours spent on the clay courts - getting time in her legs - would pay dividends when she returned to Britain for the grass season. Crucially, it meant she did not have to make a standing start under the guidance of Andrew Richardson, the coach who helped Raducanu win the US Open and has been reappointed until the end of the season. Raducanu has long been searching for freedom on the court, playing with a looseness which allows her natural game to flourish. Over the past week at Queen's, Raducanu has found what she is looking for. Raducanu reached the final without dropping a set and, while she ultimately came up short against Vekic, there was clear evidence of how the grass courts suit her. Firstly, Raducanu's movement on the surface is natural and confident - unlike many of her peers who are brought up playing on clay and hard courts. Secondly, the ball's tendency to have a lower, skiddier bounce on grass means Raducanu's serve and groundstrokes have more punch. "I think I'm playing pretty freely, pretty aggressively, but finding the right balance," she said. "I've been returning well, serving pretty well. It's important on grass." To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, Raducanu thankful for "incredible support" after Queen's final loss Another familiar face - and playing with a smile Rehiring Richardson looks to have been a masterstroke. Under his tuiti