The Queen’s Club is considering hosting a pre-Wimbledon women’s tennis tournament for the first time since 1973. Plans are in motion for a WTA event immediately following the French Open in June, pending approval. The proposal aims to revive women’s tennis in London, potentially replacing Eastbourne as the UK’s sole WTA 500 event leading up to Wimbledon.

The LTA and The All England Club are keen on bringing a WTA event back to the Queen’s Club, with the potential tournament set for 2025. The move is part of a broader review of the grass court season to enhance the impact of the weeks leading up to Wimbledon.

If approved, Eastbourne may see a downgrade to WTA 250 status, resulting in fewer ranking points and potentially reduced prize money. The proposed schedule is expected to be included in the 2025 WTA calendar, to be published in April.

The Queen’s Club, previously a venue for women’s tennis champions, aims to boost the visibility of the women’s game. However, attracting top-tier players may prove challenging, given their historical reluctance to participate in tournaments immediately following Grand Slams.

The potential reshaping of the UK grass-court calendar leaves the future of WTA events in Nottingham and Birmingham uncertain. Discussions with the ATP and WTA are ongoing, with no final decisions made.

As the tennis community awaits final decisions, the potential return of women’s tennis to the Queen’s Club after almost five decades marks a significant development in the sport’s landscape.