LONDON — Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion, made a surprising admission after his quarter-final victory at the Queen's Club Championships that will undoubtedly boost the confidence of his next opponent, British hopeful Jack Draper.
Alcaraz, who is preparing to defend his Wimbledon title next month, acknowledged that he is still adjusting to grass-court tennis despite his dominant performance in the tournament so far. "Grass is a surface that requires time to feel comfortable," the Spaniard admitted in his post-match press conference.
Alcaraz’s Grass-Court Learning Curve
The 21-year-old world No. 2 has been nearly unstoppable on clay and hard courts, but grass remains a challenge. "Every match I play on grass, I learn something new," Alcaraz said. "The movement, the bounce, the way the ball slides—it’s all different."
Despite his self-professed inexperience, Alcaraz has looked sharp at Queen’s, dropping only one set en route to the semi-finals. However, his comments suggest that Draper, who has been in scintillating form himself, could exploit any lingering uncertainty.
Draper’s Golden Opportunity
Jack Draper, the 22-year-old British No. 1, has been one of the standout performers of the tournament. Fresh off his first ATP title in Stuttgart, Draper has carried that momentum into Queen’s, where he defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz last year in a thrilling encounter.
Draper’s strengths on grass—his powerful lefty serve, aggressive baseline play, and improving net game—make him a formidable opponent. With Alcaraz still fine-tuning his grass-court game, Draper will sense an opportunity to notch another high-profile win.
Key Factors in the Semi-Final Clash
The semi-final promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. Here are the key factors that could decide the match:
- Serve: Draper’s lefty delivery gives him an edge, especially on grass, where angles and kick serves are more effective.
- Movement: Alcaraz’s footwork is world-class, but grass requires quicker adjustments. Draper’s sliding ability could be crucial.
- Experience: While Alcaraz has more big-match pedigree, Draper has played more grass-court matches this season.
Alcaraz’s Honest Assessment
Alcaraz’s candidness about his grass-court adaptation is rare for a top player. "I don’t feel like the favorite here, even though I’m the top seed," he admitted. "Every match is a test for me."
This humility contrasts with his usual confidence, suggesting that Draper’s aggressive game plan could rattle him. The Brit will likely target Alcaraz’s backhand and exploit any hesitation in his movement.
What’s at Stake?
For Alcaraz, a win would solidify his status as a genuine grass-court threat ahead of Wimbledon. For Draper, victory would mark another milestone in his breakthrough season and further establish him as Britain’s leading hope.
The stakes are high, and Alcaraz’s admission has only added intrigue to what promises to be a thrilling encounter. As Draper looks to capitalize on his opponent’s self-doubt, fans can expect a high-octane battle between two of tennis’ brightest young stars.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, with the winner advancing to the Queen’s final—a crucial stepping stone before Wimbledon begins on July 1.
Alcaraz may still be the favorite on paper, but Draper will take heart from the Spaniard’s comments. As the Brit said earlier this week: "Grass rewards belief. If you play without fear, anything is possible."
One thing is certain: this semi-final will be must-watch tennis, with both players eager to prove themselves on one of the sport’s most prestigious stages.