Carlos Alcaraz has once again cemented his status as a dominant force on grass, capturing his second Queen's Club title. In a thrilling final at the HSBC Championships, Alcaraz battled past Jiri Lehecka, securing a hard-fought victory with a score of 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2. This win marks Alcaraz's 21st ATP trophy and his fourth on grass, placing him alongside fellow Spaniards Rafael Nadal and Feliciano Lopez for the most grass-court titles in the Open Era.
The path to the final was not without its challenges. Alcaraz began his campaign with a first-round victory over Adam Walton, followed by a tough three-set win against Jaume Munar. He then overcame Arthur Rinderknech in the quarter-finals before defeating Roberto Bautista Agut in the semi-finals to reach the final showdown against Lehecka.
The final match was a captivating display of skill and resilience from both players. Alcaraz secured the first set with a late break, but Lehecka fought back, winning a tightly contested second-set tie-break. However, Alcaraz regained control in the deciding set, showcasing his class and determination to clinch the title. Alcaraz managed to fire 18 aces during the match.
"This tournament is really special to me," Alcaraz said after his victory. "I'm just happy to lift the trophy once again. I came without expectation, just to play good tennis and get used to the grass. I [was lucky] to have a lot of friends and family here that made me feel really comfortable on and off the court."
Lehecka, despite the loss, had a remarkable run to his first grass-court final, becoming the second Czech man to reach the Queen's final in the Open Era since Ivan Lendl. "Well done to Carlos and your team for doing a great job as always. I gave everything I had today but unfortunately it wasn't enough but it's always great to be back in Queen's,” Lehecka acknowledged after the match.
Alcaraz's victory at Queen's Club extends his winning streak to 18 matches and positions him as a strong contender for Wimbledon, where he will be aiming for a three-peat. His impressive form since a surprising early defeat in Miami has seen him win titles in Monte-Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros, and now Queen's Club.
With Wimbledon just around the corner, Alcaraz's confidence is sky-high. He now boasts a 29-3 record on grass. His ability to transition seamlessly from clay to grass has been particularly impressive.
Alcaraz's performance at Queen's has not only solidified his status as a top player but has also highlighted his exceptional talent and adaptability. As he sets his sights on Wimbledon, the tennis world eagerly anticipates witnessing his continued success on the grass courts of London.
