Carlos Alcaraz won the Queen's title in 2023 but lost in the second round last year World number two Carlos Alcaraz said he "did not know how I'm still standing here" after battling to victory over Jaume Munar to reach the Queen's quarter-finals. Spain's Alcaraz needed three hours and 26 minutes to beat his inspired compatriot 6-4 6-7 (7-9) 7-5 on a scorching London afternoon. Alcaraz had two match points on his serve in the second-set tie-break but double faulted on one, and then had to come back from a break down in the decider. The match took place just 11 days afterthe epic French Open final, where Alcaraz saved three championship points before battling back to beat Jannik Sinner and retain his title. The 22-year-old wrote "3h30 - were we on clay?" on the camera lens after his victory over Munar. "There were moments I struggled a lot mentally and physically," Alcaraz said. "I just kept fighting. I guess I didn't give up. "I was out mentally, but I stayed there and tried to play the points and play my best points from the first set." Victory was Alcaraz's 15th in a row - the longest streak of his career so far. Two-time defending Wimbledon champion Alcaraz will face either big-serving American Reilly Opelka or France's Arthur Rinderknech for a place in the last four. This is just a second match on grass for Alcaraz after the physical and emotional toll of the Roland Garros final. He started strongly against Munar but grew unusually frustrated as the match went on, shouting at his team and disputing a time violation with the umpire midway through the second set. World number 59 Munar said before the match that his chances of an upset were "low" - but he came within touching distance of victory, thanks to some strong serving and deep, powerful forehands. After a composed first set, Alcaraz could not find the breakthrough in the second, with Munar saving three break points in a gritty display. Munar also missed nine break points and needed eight set points to eventually edge over the line after one hour and 41 minutes. Alcaraz held to love to start the deciding set and quickly went a break up, with Munar looking to have expended all his energy taking the second set. However, Munar broke back and led 4-3 30-0 before Alcaraz hit back, reeling off four points in a row to force the set back on level terms. There was a glimpse for Munar as Alcaraz went 0-30 down in his next service game - but, as the top players often do, Alcaraz simply found a way through, holding serve before capitalising as Munar served for a match tie-break. "It was a really tough battle. He's a great competitor and showed how difficult it is to beat him," Alcaraz added.
'Don't know how I'm still standing' - Alcaraz advances at Queen's
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Carlos Alcaraz edges past Jaume Munar to reach Queen's quarter-finals"
Bbc News
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Carlos Alcaraz, the world number two, showcased remarkable resilience as he overcame compatriot Jaume Munar in a gripping encounter to secure his place in the quarter-finals of the Queen's tournament. The match, which took place under the sweltering London sun, lasted an exhausting three hours and 26 minutes. Alcaraz initially took control of the match, winning the first set 6-4. However, he faced a stern challenge in the second set, where he had two match points but faltered during the tie-break, ultimately losing it 6-7 (7-9). In the decisive third set, Alcaraz was pushed to the limit, having to recover from a break down to clinch the match 7-5. Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz expressed disbelief at his endurance, stating, "I did not know how I'm still standing here," emphasizing the mental and physical struggles he encountered throughout the contest. His victory marked his 15th consecutive win, which is the longest streak of his career thus far.
The match was particularly significant as it followed just days after Alcaraz's intense French Open final, where he had to save three championship points to retain his title against Jannik Sinner. In his second match on grass, Alcaraz displayed moments of frustration, including vocal disputes with his team and the umpire. Munar, ranked 59th, surprised many with his performance, pushing Alcaraz to the brink with strong serving and powerful forehands. Despite Munar's valiant effort, which included saving multiple break points and ultimately taking the second set, Alcaraz's experience and determination shone through in the final set. As he prepares to face either Reilly Opelka or Arthur Rinderknech in the next round, Alcaraz remains focused on maintaining his momentum in the tournament, acknowledging Munar's competitive spirit and the challenges he posed during their match.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.