The Queen’s Club tournament is taking heavy criticism this week after scheduling delays forced British tennis star Emma Raducanu into a weekend schedule with two matches on the same day. Fans are furious, arguing that the tournament is prioritizing TV contracts over player fairness.
Emma Raducanu Forced to Play Twice in One Day After Queen’s Schedule Blunder
The logistical chaos began when rain completely washed out Thursday’s schedule, leaving organizers to pack both the round of 16 and quarterfinal matches into Friday.
Raducanu started her Friday strong, securing an impressive 6-4, 6-2 victory over Sorana Cîrstea. However, she and her quarterfinal opponent, Kamilla Rakhimova, were left waiting around all day to play their next match. Because earlier matches on the main court ran long, their quarterfinal was pushed back and suspended. Now, the winner will be forced to play two matches on Saturday on the main court, Andy Murray Arena, to catch up, while their semifinal opponent, Iva Jovic, will be fully rested.
The same thing happened to the top seed, Elena Rybakina. Like Raducanu, Rybakina was scheduled for two matches on Friday. She successfully battled through her first match against Tatjana Maria, winning in three sets (6-7, 7-5, 6-0). However, forced to step right back onto the court to play her quarterfinal against Katie Boulter, Rybakina lost 5-7, 6-2, 4-6 and was eliminated from the tournament.
Queen’s Club Fans Rage as Raducanu Forced Into Double Match Day Against Rested Iva Jovic
Fans were quick to ask why these crucial matches weren’t simply moved to the secondary court (Court 1) to keep the tournament on track. The answer comes down to a rigid television contract.
Raducanu should have been relocated to Court 1 to ensure her match was completed. However, broadcast agreements at Queen’s explicitly prohibit the second court from being shown on any live television broadcast. So, rather than moving the match off-camera to protect the athletes from a Saturday double-header, tournament organizers clung to the hope that Andy Murray Arena would be clear in time.
This chaotic situation had the tennis community voice their frustration online:
“It’s not the players’ fault that the television companies don’t have rights to show certain tennis courts. Get the matches played and the tournament back on schedule,” a fan commented.
It’s not the players fault that the television companies don’t have rights to show certain tennis courts.
Get the matches played and the tournament back on schedule
Organisers have Raducanu and Rakhimova waiting around all day now they expect them to play 2 matches on Saturday
— Chris Goldsmith (@TheTennisTalker) June 12, 2026
“Unbelievable they didn’t put the match on Court 1. Now their home player will have to face a fully rested Jovic most likely – might have blown her chance. I hate this tournament,” another comment read.
Unbelievable they didn’t put the match on court 1. Now their home player will have to face a fully rested Jovic most likely- might have blown her chance, I hate this tournament 😤
— Roxy (@aemeth2) June 12, 2026
One also sided with the referee, who did not have much of a choice. “I’m sure the Referee would have wanted to play the match on Court 1 but perhaps LTA commercial pressures lead to them not doing so. Silly decision!”
I’m sure the Referee would have wanted to play the match on Court 1 but perhaps LTA commercial pressures lead to them not doing so. Silly decision!
— Sara447 (@Sara447537013) June 12, 2026
This scheduling fiasco at Queen’s is not an odd incident. The tension between tennis players and the commercial broadcasters has been brewing for a long time. The hectic schedule that gives players very little time to recover, the TV rights, and the prize money decided by broadcasters and tournament authorities are part of it.
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Now, as Raducanu or Rakhimova gears up for an exhausting Saturday, if either faces the same fate as Rybakina, it will spark more backlash from fans.
