Carlos Alcaraz cracks the code: Serving masterclass powers Queen’s repeat

In a dazzling display of skill and resilience, Carlos Alcaraz clinched his second Queen’s Club Championships title on June 22, 2025, defeating Jiri Lehecka in a gripping final that showcased his evolution as a grass-court maestro. The 22-year-old Spaniard, fresh off his Roland Garros triumph, outlasted the tenacious Czech 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2, extending his career-best winning streak to 18 matches. Alcaraz’s serving prowess, marked by pinpoint accuracy and unrelenting power, was the cornerstone of his victory, propelling him to a repeat triumph at the prestigious ATP 500 event and solidifying his status as a Wimbledon favorite.

The final at Queen’s Club was a showcase of Alcaraz’s adaptability on grass, a surface he has mastered in just a few years. His journey to the title was far from straightforward, beginning with a hard-fought opener against lucky loser Adam Walton, where he saved two set points to win 6-4, 7-6(4). “I feel great, I feel super happy to be back on grass. It’s a special surface, a special place to me,” Alcaraz said after that match, reflecting on the emotional significance of returning to the London lawns where he claimed his first grass title in 2023. His second-round clash with compatriot Jaume Munar stretched over three hours and 26 minutes—the longest match at Queen’s in 34 years. “I still don’t know how I’m standing here,” he admitted, scribbling “3h30 – were we on clay?” on a courtside camera, a nod to the grueling battle under sweltering conditions.

Alcaraz’s serving was a standout throughout the tournament, with statistics highlighting his dominance. He consistently surpassed tour averages in aces, first-serve points won, and unreturned serves, a testament to his meticulous preparation. In a pre-tournament practice session, he drilled serves with coach Samuel Lopez, focusing on precision and variety, even incorporating playful “tennis golf” to keep the mood light. This preparation paid dividends in the final against Lehecka, where Alcaraz’s serve was nearly untouchable. He faced just one break point in the match, which he erased with a blistering ace, and his ability to mix heavy spin with flat power kept Lehecka guessing. “I just feel that I’m playing great tennis and feeling more comfortable after each match,” Alcaraz said after his semifinal win over Roberto Bautista Agut, a 6-4, 6-4 masterclass that marked his 250th career victory.

Lehecka, who had previously beaten Alcaraz in Doha earlier in 2025, pushed him to the brink in the final. The Czech’s second-set tiebreak was a spectacle, with a stunning ace to level the match after Alcaraz’s miraculous lob had the crowd on its feet. “It was a really tough battle,” Alcaraz acknowledged, praising Lehecka’s competitiveness. But in the decisive third set, Alcaraz unleashed a barrage of winners, breaking early and dominating with his serve to seal the title in two hours and eight minutes. His flair was on full display, from a near-perfect tweener against Bautista Agut to a drop volley that left the crowd gasping. “I always say that I love playing tennis, I love stepping on the court and putting on a show for the crowd,” he said, his infectious smile underscoring his joy.

This victory, Alcaraz’s fifth title of 2025, places him among an elite group as the fifth active player with four or more grass titles, joining Novak Djokovic and others. With a 27-1 record since his Miami loss and a commanding lead in the ATP Race to Turin, Alcaraz heads to Wimbledon with momentum. “Making the final here at Queen’s once again is so special, so I guess grass mode is activated,” he declared, signaling his intent to chase a third consecutive Wimbledon crown. As the tennis world shifts its gaze to SW19, Alcaraz’s serving masterclass at Queen’s has set the stage for another thrilling chapter in his storied career.

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