Carlos Alcaraz roared to winning ways on grass as the Spaniard captured his second Queen’s Club title on Sunday, overcoming a spirited challenge from Czech star Jiri Lehecka in a tense three-set final, 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2.
In what was an intense and highly entertaining contest in West Kensington, Alcaraz once again reminded the tennis world of his versatility across all surfaces, and sent a message of intent just a week before Wimbledon begins.
Alcaraz, the top seed and defending Wimbledon champion, was forced to dig deep against an opponent playing some of the best tennis of his young career. The first set was tightly contested until Alcaraz pounced on a brief lapse from Lehecka to break and close it out.
The second set saw Jiri Lehecka raise his level even higher, firing aggressive returns and making few mistakes, ultimately edging the tie-break after Carlos Alcaraz double-faulted at a crucial moment. But in the decider, the Spaniard shifted gears, dominating on serve and breaking twice to seal the match in just under two and a half hours.
The victory marks Alcaraz’s fifth title of the season, adding to his already impressive wins in Rotterdam, Monte Carlo, Rome, and Roland Garros. More significantly, it extends his winning streak to 18 matches and boosts his confidence heading into Wimbledon, where he will aim to defend his crown.
At only 22, Carlos Alcaraz continues to make history with his blend of flair, power, and poise, traits that were on full display throughout the Queen’s Club Championships.
Jiri Lehecka, meanwhile, exits with his head held high. The 22-year-old had stunned home favorite Jack Draper in the semi-final and showed maturity well beyond his years. Sunday’s final was his first appearance in a grass-court final and the first by a Czech male player at Queen’s since Ivan Lendl in 1990.
Though the trophy eluded him, his performance throughout the week signals a significant leap forward in his development. Ranked outside the top 30 at the start of the year, Lehecka’s stock has now risen sharply, and he will head to Wimbledon as a dangerous floater no one wants to face early.
The final served not only as a test of ability but also temperament. Carlos Alcaraz struck 18 aces and never faced a break point after the first set. His ability to reset after the second set tie-break loss was a testament to the mental strength that has become a hallmark of his rapid ascent.
Speaking after the match, he expressed satisfaction with his level on grass courts, admitting he came into the tournament simply looking for matches rather than expecting a title. “It’s been a great week for me,” he said. “Every match here helped me feel more comfortable. Now, I feel ready for Wimbledon.”
What’s next for Carlos Alcaraz?
All eyes now turn to Wimbledon, which begins on June 30. Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, enters the tournament with unmatched momentum and form. His performance at Queen’s has shown that not only has he retained his title-winning confidence, but that he has also made strides on grass, a surface he once called his least natural.
With Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic (fitness permitting), and Daniil Medvedev also looming in the draw, Alcaraz will need to carry this sharpness into the All England Club. But if Queen’s is anything to go by, the young Spaniard is primed for another deep run, and possibly even back-to-back Wimbledon titles.
As for Jiri Lehecka, the Czech star will be a player to watch closely in London. His breakthrough week in London has proven he can match the elite on grass, and his fearless, flat-hitting style suits the fast courts at SW19.
Having already made the quarterfinals at the Australian Open in 2023 and racked up wins against several top-10 opponents, Jiri Lehecka is no longer flying under the radar. If the Queen’s Club final was a preview of what’s to come, Wimbledon may just witness the emergence of its next big star from the Czech Republic.
