LONDON — Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion, celebrated his first grass-court title of the season at Queen’s Club Championships but didn’t hold back in describing his semifinal opponent, Jiri Lehecka, as a "nightmare" to face on the surface.
The 21-year-old Spaniard secured a thrilling 6-3, 6-4 victory over Australia’s Alex de Minaur in the final, marking his first title since winning at Indian Wells in March. However, it was his hard-fought semifinal against Czech rising star Lehecka that left a lasting impression. Alcaraz admitted, "He was a nightmare to play against—huge serves, aggressive returns, and so confident on grass."
Alcaraz’s Grass-Court Breakthrough
After a shaky start to the grass season, Alcaraz found his rhythm at Queen’s, showcasing his adaptability on the surface. His victory here solidifies his status as a top contender for Wimbledon, where he will defend his title next month. "I needed this win to build confidence," Alcaraz said. "Grass isn’t my natural surface, but I’m learning fast."
Key factors in Alcaraz’s Queen’s success included:
- Improved serve placement, winning 85% of first-serve points in the final
- Exceptional movement, adapting his sliding technique for grass
- Mental resilience, saving break points in crucial moments
The "Nightmare" Match Against Lehecka
Lehecka, ranked No. 32, pushed Alcaraz to the brink in their semifinal clash, with the Spaniard narrowly escaping 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. The Czech’s powerful baseline game and fearless net approaches disrupted Alcaraz’s rhythm. "He didn’t let me breathe," Alcaraz admitted. "Every point felt like a battle."
Lehecka’s Grass-Court Prowess
The 22-year-old Lehecka has emerged as a dangerous grass-court player, reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year. His aggressive style—featuring:
- A 135 mph serve
- Flat, penetrating groundstrokes
- Sharp volleys at the net
Alcaraz acknowledged the challenge, saying, "He’s one of those players who can beat anyone on grass if he’s on. I had to dig deep and stay patient." The match statistics reflected the intensity, with Alcaraz winning just 52% of total points.
Looking Ahead to Wimbledon
With Queen’s serving as the perfect warm-up, Alcaraz now shifts focus to Wimbledon, where he aims to defend his title. His main rivals—Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev—will pose stiff competition, but Alcaraz’s adaptability gives him an edge. "I feel ready," he declared. "This trophy proves I belong on grass."
Meanwhile, Lehecka’s performance at Queen’s signals he could be a dark horse at Wimbledon. His ability to trouble Alcaraz suggests he can challenge the top seeds. "I’ll take confidence from this week," Lehecka said. "Grass suits my game, and I’m just getting started."
Conclusion: A Rivalry in the Making?
Alcaraz’s candid remarks about Lehecka hint at a budding rivalry, especially on grass. While the Spaniard prevailed this time, their clash at Queen’s could be a preview of future battles. "He’s going to be a problem for everyone," Alcaraz said with a smile. "I’m just glad I got through this one."
As the tennis world turns its attention to Wimbledon, Alcaraz’s triumph at Queen’s—and his hard-earned respect for Lehecka—adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming Championships. Fans can expect fireworks if these two meet again on the hallowed lawns of SW19.