Just five days after etching his name deeper into tennis history with a breathtaking victory at Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz touched down in London, radiating the glow of a two-time French Open champion. The 22-year-old Spaniard arrived at Queen’s Club on Saturday, June 14, 2025, ready to kick off his grass-court campaign at the HSBC Championships, an ATP 500 event that marks his first competitive outing since his epic five-set triumph over Jannik Sinner in Paris. With the tennis world buzzing about his latest Grand Slam heroics, Alcaraz’s transition from clay to grass promises to be a captivating chapter in his quest to defend his Wimbledon crown.
Alcaraz’s Roland Garros final was a five-hour, 29-minute marathon, hailed as one of the greatest Grand Slam finals ever played. Trailing two sets to one and facing three championship points, the world No. 2 clawed back to defeat Sinner 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(7), 7-6(10), securing his fifth major title at the same age as his idol, Rafael Nadal, when he won his fifth. “Jannik, it’s amazing the level you reach,” Alcaraz said post-match, acknowledging his rival’s prowess. “I’m really happy to make history with you in this tournament.” The match, which drew a record-breaking 5.5 million viewers on French television, showcased Alcaraz’s resilience and flair, cementing his status as a generational talent.
After celebrating in Ibiza with friends—a decision that raised eyebrows last year but led to a Wimbledon title—Alcaraz wasted no time preparing for the grass season. “I need to separate my personal life from tennis. It helps me give my best on the court,” he explained in a press conference before the tournament. His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, initially expressed caution about Alcaraz’s participation due to the physical and mental toll of Roland Garros, saying, “We’ll make a final decision in a few days after we test how he’s feeling.” However, Alcaraz’s commitment was confirmed, and he arrived in London without Ferrero, who is set to join him later, leaving the Spaniard under the temporary guidance of experienced coach Samuel Lopez.
At Queen’s, Alcaraz faces a familiar foe in the first round: fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The top seed, who won the title in 2023 by defeating Alex de Minaur, is seeded to meet big-serving American Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals and could face Holger Rune or Jakub Mensik in the semifinals. “The first match on grass is never easy,” Alcaraz noted, reflecting on the challenge of adapting to the slick surface. His 24-3 career record on grass, including back-to-back Wimbledon titles in 2023 and 2024, makes him a formidable contender, though last year’s second-round loss to Jack Draper at Queen’s serves as a reminder of the surface’s unpredictability.
The HSBC Championships, held at the newly named Andy Murray Arena, feature a star-studded field, including second seed Jack Draper, third seed Taylor Fritz, and fifth seed Alex de Minaur. Draper, who stunned Alcaraz last year, looms as a potential threat, with experts tipping the Briton to challenge for the title. “He’s switching off, but I told him to remember he’s a tennis player at all times,” Ferrero said of Alcaraz’s brief vacation, expressing confidence in his pupil’s ability to refocus. Alcaraz’s grass-court pedigree, including becoming the youngest player to complete the Channel Slam (French Open and Wimbledon in the same year) in 2024, fuels expectations for another deep run.
As Alcaraz steps onto the Queen’s Club grass, the tennis world watches eagerly. His ability to transition from the grueling clay of Paris to the fast-paced lawns of London will test his versatility, but his infectious energy and relentless drive make him the player to beat. With Wimbledon looming, Alcaraz’s journey at Queen’s is not just about adding another title but about building momentum for a third consecutive crown at the All England Club. “Paris, you will always be in my heart,” he said after Roland Garros, but now, London beckons, and Alcaraz is ready to shine once more.
“Nice to see you again!” 😍@rolandgarros champ @carlosalcaraz has arrived at the #HSBCChampionships pic.twitter.com/EUnrRjsCxd
— HSBC Championships (@QueensTennis) June 14, 2025
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