Carlos Alcaraz also won the Queen's title in 2023 on his tournament debut World number two Carlos Alcaraz held off a battling Jiri Lehecka to seal his second Queen's title with victory in an enthralling final on Sunday. The Spaniard won 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 to take his 21st career title but was pushed hard by the in-form Lehecka, who was one of only five players to have beaten Alcaraz this year. Lehecka had seen off British number one Jack Draper in the last four to secure his place in the final and initially looked unable to deal with the quality of Alcaraz in the first set. But a much closer second set went the distance, with Lehecka overcoming the disappointment of being lobbed after a superb drop shot in the tie-break to then serve an ace and level the match. Alcaraz, though, showed why he is such a formidable opponent as he recovered from that disappointment to step it up a gear in the third, breaking early on his way to securing the match and the title. It was an 18th match win in a row for Alcaraz and a fifth title in 2025 to ensure he starts his bid for a third successive Wimbledon crown as a player in form. "I'm happy to lift this trophy once again," Alcaraz said. "It has been an incredible week. I came without expectations and just wanted to play good tennis and to get used to the grass. "It's really special playing here every year and I can't wait to come back next year." The speed at which Alcaraz raced through the third set showed just how difficult an opponent he is to face, given the momentum heading into the decider appeared to be with Lehecka. The 23-year-old Czech had beaten Alcaraz in three sets in the quarter-finals of the Qatar Open in February and must have sensed a repeat after a brilliant display in the second-set tie-break. There the Queen's crowd was treated to some incredible tennis and fans were on their feet when Alcaraz somehow returned a point he seemed certain to lose when he stretched to lob his opponent. Lehecka responded from that setback to hit an ace and take the set. But Alcaraz was almost unplayable in the third set, dominating on his serve and hitting some excellent winners as he followed up this month's French Open victory with this success. Five-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz had made a relatively slow start to the tournament as he acclimatised to grass after a long season on clay, but now looks completely comfortable on the surface in time for Wimbledon, which starts on 30 June.
Alcaraz beats Lehecka to seal second Queen's title
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Carlos Alcaraz Claims Second Queen's Club Title with Win Over Jiri Lehecka"
Bbc News
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Carlos Alcaraz successfully defended his title at the Queen's Club Championships, defeating Jiri Lehecka in a thrilling final that showcased the resilience and skill of both players. The match, which ended with a score of 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, marked Alcaraz's 21st career title and solidified his status as one of the top players on the ATP Tour. Initially, the world number two appeared to dominate the first set, but Lehecka, who had previously eliminated British number one Jack Draper in the semifinals, rallied to level the match in a tightly contested second set. The Czech player showed remarkable tenacity, overcoming a setback in the tie-break to serve an ace, thus forcing a decisive third set. The crowd witnessed some spectacular exchanges, particularly in the second set, where Alcaraz's remarkable reflexes and shot-making kept the match competitive and engaging for the spectators.
As the final set commenced, Alcaraz elevated his performance, breaking Lehecka early and maintaining control throughout. The Spaniard's ability to adapt and respond to pressure was evident as he cruised through the third set, demonstrating why he is considered a formidable opponent on any surface. This victory not only represents Alcaraz's fifth title of the year but also serves as a significant confidence booster as he prepares for Wimbledon, which begins on June 30. Following the match, Alcaraz expressed his joy at winning the trophy again, noting the special atmosphere at Queen's and his eagerness to return next year. His recent success, including a triumph at the French Open earlier this month, suggests that he is in excellent form heading into the grass-court season, further enhancing his prospects for a third consecutive Wimbledon title.
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