June 21, (THEWILL) – Carlos Alcaraz advanced to his second Queen’s Club final with a commanding 6-4 6-4 victory over fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut on Saturday. The world number two extended his career-best winning streak to 17 matches during the semi-final at the Wimbledon warm-up tournament in West London, dispatching his compatriot in 90 minutes despite sweltering conditions.
The 22-year-old five-time Grand Slam champion dominated proceedings with 36 winners and 15 aces, breaking serve early in the opening set with a delicate drop shot in the third game. Alcaraz maintained his advantage throughout the first set before delivering the decisive blow in the second, converting a break point with a whipped forehand down the line to lead 3-2 and never relinquishing control.
Sunday’s final will pit Alcaraz against Czech player Jiri Lehecka, ranked 30th in the world, who caused an upset by defeating British favourite Jack Draper 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 in the other semi-final. The match represents Alcaraz’s fifth consecutive final appearance following his recent clay-court triumphs at the French Open, Rome, Barcelona and Monte Carlo.
Victory on Sunday would make Alcaraz only the second Spaniard to claim the Queen’s Club title twice, following Feliciano Lopez’s successes in 2017 and 2019. The reigning Wimbledon champion first conquered Queen’s in 2023 before capturing his maiden All England Club crown weeks later, then successfully defended his Wimbledon title in 2024.
“I’m playing great tennis. After every match, I’m feeling more comfortable. Making the final here is so special once again,” Alcaraz said following his semi-final win. The Spaniard, competing in his first tournament since defeating Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros two weeks ago, added that he tries to “have fun and bring joy on the court” as the key to his continued success.
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.
