The grass courts of London’s Queen’s Club have long been a proving ground for tennis’s elite, and in 2025, Carlos Alcaraz once again claimed the spotlight. The 22-year-old Spaniard, already a two-time Wimbledon champion, stormed to his second Queen’s Club title on June 22, defeating Jiri Lehecka in a gripping final, 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2. His victory, which extended his career-best 18-match winning streak, not only solidified his status as the Wimbledon favorite but also caught the attention of former American tennis star Andy Roddick, who revealed why Alcaraz’s performance was so surprising. “I didn’t expect him to adapt to grass so fast after Roland Garros,” Roddick admitted, marveling at the Spaniard’s seamless transition from clay to grass.
Alcaraz’s journey to the Queen’s Club crown was a testament to his resilience and versatility. Fresh off a grueling five-set victory over Jannik Sinner in the Roland Garros final just two weeks prior, Alcaraz arrived in London with modest goals. “I came here with no expectations at all,” he said in his post-match interview, explaining that his aim was simply to play a few matches and rediscover his grass-court rhythm. Yet, after a brief holiday in Ibiza, where he celebrated his French Open triumph, Alcaraz defied expectations by dominating the ATP 500 event. His 91% win rate on grass—now 29-3 in his career—surpasses even legends like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, a statistic that left Roddick stunned. “He’s moving like he was born on grass,” Roddick noted, highlighting Alcaraz’s uncanny ability to glide across the low-bouncing surface.
The final against Lehecka, a rising Czech star, showcased Alcaraz’s mental fortitude. After breaking serve late to clinch the first set, Alcaraz faced a fierce challenge in the second, where Lehecka’s booming serve and clinical tiebreak play leveled the match. “It’s tough for me to find the words now,” Lehecka said post-match, reflecting on his valiant effort. “I gave everything I had today and unfortunately it wasn’t enough.” Alcaraz, however, found another gear in the decider, breaking early and unleashing 18 aces to seal his 21st career title. “This tournament is really special to me,” he said, crediting the support of friends and family for making him feel at home in London.
Alcaraz’s path to the final was not without drama. An earlier match against compatriot Jaume Munar pushed him to the brink, with Munar leading 4-2 in the third set. Alcaraz’s rare outburst during that encounter, as he struggled to contain his frustration, surprised fans accustomed to his infectious smile. “The degree to which Munar got inside of his head was shocking,” Roddick observed, noting that Alcaraz’s ability to regroup and win 6-4, 6-7, 7-5 demonstrated his champion’s mentality. That resilience, honed through a season of adversity—including a shock Miami Open loss to David Goffin—has fueled Alcaraz’s remarkable 27-1 run since April.
Roddick’s surprise also stemmed from Alcaraz’s mental transformation. After the Miami defeat, Alcaraz admitted to grappling with self-doubt and criticism. “I had so much hate when I lost in Miami,” he confessed, revealing that a family vacation to Cancun helped him rediscover his joy for tennis. “That was the key, to have my days with my family and realize what is the most important thing for me,” he added. The break allowed him to return with renewed hunger, a mindset that carried him through title runs in Monte Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros, and now Queen’s Club.
As Alcaraz prepares for Wimbledon, starting June 30, his Queen’s Club performance has made him the +150 betting favorite alongside Sinner. His grass-court prowess, underscored by four titles, places him among an elite group, with only Djokovic boasting more among active players. “You can’t really expect better form for him to come into Wimbledon,” said former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, echoing Roddick’s sentiment that Alcaraz is “the player to beat.” With a potential three-peat at SW19 in sight—a feat achieved by only four men in the Open Era—Alcaraz’s confidence is palpable. “Grass-court mode is activated,” he declared after his semifinal win over Roberto Bautista Agut.
For Roddick, Alcaraz’s Queen’s Club triumph was a reminder of his unique blend of talent and heart. “He’s not just winning; he’s putting on a show,” Roddick said, praising Alcaraz’s flair, from deft drop shots to tweeners that electrified the crowd. As the tennis world turns its gaze to Wimbledon, Alcaraz’s ability to surprise even seasoned observers like Roddick signals that his reign on grass is far from over.
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