June 22, (THEWILL) – Carlos Alcaraz claimed his second Queen’s Club title on Sunday with a 7-5 6-7(5) 6-2 victory over Jiří Lehečka, reinforcing his growing reputation on grass courts.
The Spanish world number two fired 18 aces throughout the match whilst weathering a spirited challenge from his Czech opponent at the Andy Murray Arena.
Lehečka proved a formidable adversary, particularly during a crucial phase spanning the end of the second set and start of the third
The Czech player exploited Alcaraz’s wide serve to his forehand side and consistently delivered testing returns to the Spaniard’s ankles, forcing uncomfortable positions and earning himself a deciding set.
His aggressive return game temporarily disrupted Alcaraz’s rhythm, taking the match into uncharted territory.
The turning point arrived early in the third set when Alcaraz rediscovered his precision, striking the centre and side lines with renewed accuracy.
Two forehand chips drew Lehečka forward, and though the Czech saved one break point with a courageous backhand from inside the service box, Alcaraz sealed the crucial break with a flat backhand drive that found the net.
This breakthrough established a 4-1 lead that proved insurmountable.
Both players endured frustrating moments during the opening exchanges, frequently turning to their coaching teams in exasperation.
Alcaraz’s first-serve percentage of 60 per cent in the opening set fell short of his recent “serve bot” aspirations, yet he won virtually every point when his delivery found its mark.
The second-set tiebreak saw Lehečka capitalise on Alcaraz’s temporary loss of serving accuracy, levelling the match after the Spaniard double-faulted at a crucial moment.
This victory positions Alcaraz to attempt something not achieved since Rafael Nadal in 2008: winning the French Open, Queen’s Club, and Wimbledon in the same year.
The two-time defending Wimbledon champion also pursues a second consecutive Channel Slam, with the All England Club championships beginning on June 30.
Lehečka’s impressive run, which included victories over world number 12 Alex de Minaur and world number 4 Jack Draper, confirms his threat on grass courts ahead of the sport’s most prestigious tournament.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
