LONDON – Top-seeded Carlos Alkaraz issued a strong statement on Sunday as he edged the Czech Republic’s Gili Lehecca 7-5, 6-7 (5) and 6-2 to win the second Queens Club title ahead of Wimbledon’s defense.
Alcaraz, who won the Queens Club a few weeks before winning his first Wimbledon title in 2023, extended his winning streak to 18 games, but was pushed hard by the powerful Lehecca.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz attacked 5-5 and defeated Lehecca’s serve in the middle of bagging the opening set in the 45-minute period.
The 23-year-old Lehekka bid to become the first Czech Republic to win the Queens Club title since Ivan Lendl in 1990, continuing to five Grand Slam champions and toe toe, winning a second set tiebreaker in clinical tennis.
However, as Lehecca’s levels finally began to drop, Alcaraz advanced 4-1 in the deciding set. He then again defeated Lehecca’s service, completed the victory, and made a roar of joy as Lehecca hit a backhand into the net.
Alcaraz was not facing one breakpoint and slammed 18 aces on his way to his 21st career title.
Wimbledon will begin on June 30th.
Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to the report.
