Alcaraz fends off Lehecka to win second Queen’s club title ahead of Wimbledon

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz battled past Czech rising star Jiri Lehecka 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2 on Sunday to capture his second Queen’s Club Championship title, sending a strong message ahead of his Wimbledon title defense.

The 22-year-old Spaniard, who also won the Queen’s Club crown just weeks before lifting his first Wimbledon trophy in 2023, extended his winning streak to 18 matches. However, the powerful Lehecka proved a formidable opponent, showcasing the kind of form that suggests he’s destined for the top.

Alcaraz struck late in the opening set, breaking Lehecka’s serve at 5-5 before closing it out in 45 minutes. But Lehecka, 23, chasing history as the first Czech champion at Queen’s since Ivan Lendl in 1990, fought back impressively and edged the second-set tiebreak with sharp, confident tennis.

With the match finely poised, Alcaraz stepped up in the third set, breaking early to race to a 4-1 lead as Lehecka’s level dipped slightly in breezy conditions at the Andy Murray Arena. The Spaniard broke once more to seal the match, letting out a triumphant roar as Lehecka netted a backhand on match point.

Though Alcaraz will be seeded second at Wimbledon, behind world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, he will enter the tournament as a strong favourite. The Queen’s victory marks his fifth title of the year and his 27th win in 28 matches since April—his only defeat coming in the Barcelona final against Holger Rune.

“This trophy and this tournament are really special to me,” Alcaraz said during the trophy presentation. “Jiri had an incredible week—he’s playing at such a high level and it’s a nightmare to face him.”

Lehecka, who upset British hope Jack Draper in the semi-finals, started the final confidently. He had previously defeated Alcaraz earlier this year in Doha and pushed the five-time Grand Slam champion to the brink again on Sunday.

Both players held firm through most of the opening two sets, with service games dominating on the fast grass courts. But Lehecka’s errors at 5-5 in the first set opened the door for Alcaraz, who took full advantage.

In the second-set tiebreak, Lehecka surged ahead with a mini-break and held his nerve, hammering down an ace before Alcaraz’s double fault at 5-5 handed him the edge. He then levelled the match.

Yet, the Czech couldn’t carry the momentum into the decider. Alcaraz quickly took control, showing why he remains one of the most feared players on tour.

“My goal this week was just to compete and get some matches on grass,” Alcaraz said. “This final was a bonus for me. I enjoyed the moment and felt like I was in control most of the time.”

As Wimbledon looms, Alcaraz looks ready—not just to defend his crown, but to dominate once again.