Laura Robson Champions Historic Return of Women's Tennis to Queen's Club

Former British number one Laura Robson describes it as a 'huge honour' to bring women's professional tennis back to the iconic Queen's Club for the first time in over 50 years. The event, which will run as a WTA 500 tournament, is set to take place in the lead-up to Wimbledon this June.

Top Players Confirmed:

• Madison Keys, the Australian Open champion
• Naomi Osaka, a four-time major winner
• Katie Boulter, current British number one
• Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion
• Daria Kasatkina, reigning Eastbourne champion

Robson, who has been appointed as the tournament director, shared her excitement about the event, stating, 'It's a massive honour and I can't wait to get it going.' She also emphasized the importance of building the tournament's prestige to rival the men's event.

Historic Context: The last women's singles title at Queen's was won by Russia's Olga Morozova in 1973, after which the event ceased, and Eastbourne became the primary women's grass court tournament. The revival of the Queen's women's event marks a significant milestone in tennis history.

Prize Money Disparity: Unlike Wimbledon, which has awarded equal prize money since 2007, the men's tournament at Queen's will have a substantially higher prize pot ($2.5m) compared to the women's ($1.1m). Robson expressed hopes for achieving equal prize money in the future, stating, 'It's something I'm all for as a former player.'

Future Prospects: Robson is optimistic about the tournament's growth, aiming to attract new audiences and commercial opportunities. She believes the event will give the sport a chance to reach a broader audience, with tickets priced lower than those for the men's event.

Conclusion: The return of women's tennis to Queen's Club is not just a revival of a historic event but a step forward in promoting gender equality in the sport. With a stellar lineup and a dedicated director, the tournament promises to be a highlight of the tennis season.