The WTA 500 tournament in Queen’s has made its first move as former British tennis star Laura Robson has been named as the tournament director.
In May, it was announced that the iconic Queen’s Club would host a women’s tournament from 2025. Previously, the club hosted a women’s event until 1973.
While Queen’s is now set to host both men’s and women’s tournaments, it won’t take place in the same week – the women’s event will be held the week after the French Open while the men’s tournament will follow.
This year, Robson was the boss at the WTA 250 tournament in Birmingham. Seemingly, the LTA officials were pretty happy with the job she did in Birmingham so she now gets a bigger role – to run a tournament for which many have big expectations.
Laura Robson© Laura Robson/Instagram – Fair Use
Robson’s statement on her Queen’s role
“I’m delighted to be taking up this role next summer. It’s very exciting that women’s tennis is returning to the Queen’s Club for the first time in over 50 years. It’s an iconic venue and has been voted Tournament of the Year by the men many times. I’m confident that the women’s event will be just as thrilling and I can’t wait to get started,” Robson said in a statement.
For many years, the Queen’s Club has been home of one of the best ATP 500 tournaments on the Tour. And now, the hope is that the bringing back the women’s edition can also be a major attraction.
“So excited to be part of this! Bringing women’s tennis back to London with a new event,” the former world No. 27 added on X.
So excited to be part of this! Bringing women’s tennis back to London with a new event 🌱🎾 https://t.co/Vn5FC2vXGh
— Laura Robson (@laurarobson5) November 26, 2024
After struggling with injuries for years and undergoing multiple surgeries, Robson walked away from pro tennis in 2022 May at the age of 28.