The second-best player in the world, Carlos Alcaraz, emerged victorious against a resilient Jiri Lehecka, securing his second Queen’s title in a gripping final on Sunday.
Showing his mettle, the Spanish sensation bagged the match 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, acquiring his 21st career win. However, it wasn’t an easy victory as Lehecka, one of the few players to have defeated Alcaraz this year, put up a strong fight.
Lehecka, who had previously ousted Britain’s number one Jack Draper, struggled to match Alcaraz’s exceptional quality in the first set. However, he bounced back in the second set, overcoming the disappointment of being lobbed after an impressive drop shot, to serve an ace and even the match.
Alcaraz demonstrated his superior skill and resilience, recovering from the second-set setback to escalate his game in the final set. He made an early break, eventually clinching the match and the title.
This win marks Alcaraz’s 18th consecutive match victory and his fifth title in 2025. He’s now perfectly positioned to chase his third consecutive Wimbledon title as an in-form player.
Delighted with his performance, Alcaraz stated, “I’m thrilled to lift this trophy once again. It has been an incredible week. I came without expectations, aiming to play good tennis and adjust to the grass. Playing here every year is truly special, and I can’t wait to return next year.”
Alcaraz’s swift domination in the final set displayed his formidable prowess on the grass court. Despite Lehecka coming off a brilliant performance in the second-set tie-break, Alcaraz’s momentum was unstoppable.
Lehecka, the 23-year-old Czech player, had previously defeated Alcaraz in a three-set match during the Qatar Open quarter-finals in February. The Queen’s crowd witnessed some splendid tennis, cheering on as Alcaraz miraculously returned a point he seemed destined to lose.
However, Alcaraz was relentless in the third set, controlling his serves and delivering some remarkable shots. His performance at the French Open this month was a precursor to this triumphant victory.
The five-time Grand Slam champion initially had a slow start to the tournament, adjusting to the grass after a long clay season. Now, he seems entirely at ease on the grass court, just in time for Wimbledon, which kicks off on 30 June.
