Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and reigning Wimbledon champion, kicked off his grass-court season with a commanding 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Adam Walton at the Queen’s Club Championships on June 17, 2025. The 22-year-old Spaniard, fresh from his second Roland Garros title, delivered a glowing verdict on the condition of the main court at Queen’s, which hosted the WTA 500 event won by Coco Gauff the previous week. Despite concerns about the court’s wear after a week of intense women’s matches, Alcaraz’s performance and post-match comments dispelled doubts, highlighting the pristine quality of the grass as he gears up for a third straight Wimbledon crown.
The Queen’s Club, a historic ATP 500 venue, faced scrutiny over its court conditions following the WTA tournament, where players like Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Katie Boulter competed on Centre Court. With the men’s event immediately following, some feared the grass would be worn, especially given the physical demands of modern tennis. Alcaraz, however, was effusive in his praise, noting the court’s resilience. “Honestly, it’s amazing how good the court is after a full week of the WTA tournament,” he said post-match. “It feels really fresh, almost like they’ve just put new grass down. It’s a credit to the grounds team.” His comments echoed the sentiments of 2018 champion Marin Cilic, who called the courts “pretty much perfect” earlier in the week, reinforcing Queen’s reputation for world-class maintenance.
Alcaraz’s match against Walton, a grass-court specialist with recent Challenger titles, showcased his seamless transition from clay to grass. The Spaniard fired 10 aces, won 83% of his first-serve points, and displayed his signature flair with diving volleys and pinpoint passing shots. “I’m really happy with the way I started the grass season,” he said, acknowledging Walton’s experience on the surface. “He’s played a few matches already on grass, so I had to be at my best.” The tiebreak in the second set tested Alcaraz’s composure, but he sealed the win with a blistering forehand, setting up a second-round clash with compatriot Jaume Munar, whom he leads 2-1 in their head-to-head.
The court’s condition was a talking point after the WTA event saw its share of drama, including Sabalenka’s heated dispute over slippery conditions in Berlin, a tournament played concurrently. At Queen’s, however, the grass held up impeccably, a testament to the grounds crew led by Neil Stubley, who also oversees Wimbledon’s surfaces. Alcaraz noted the court’s speed and bounce suited his aggressive style, which blends powerful groundstrokes with deft net play. “The court plays fast, but it gives you time to set up your shots,” he observed. “It’s perfect for my game, and I feel confident moving forward.” His ability to adapt was evident in his 2024 Wimbledon triumph over Novak Djokovic, where he averaged 196 km/h serves and converted 71% of break points.
Alcaraz’s praise comes at a pivotal moment in his 2025 campaign. After a hamstring injury sidelined him for the Australian Open, he amassed five titles, including Indian Wells, Monte-Carlo, Rome, and Roland Garros, where he edged Sinner in a five-set epic. Queen’s, where he won in 2023, is a crucial stepping stone to Wimbledon, where he aims to join an elite group—Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Djokovic—as the only men in the Open Era to win three consecutive titles. “Wimbledon is my main goal,” he said, reflecting on his love for grass. “Queen’s helps me find my rhythm and build confidence.”
The tournament’s stacked field, including Sinner, Zverev, and Britain’s Jack Draper, adds pressure, but Alcaraz thrives in such environments. His post-match demeanor—smiling, joking, and engaging with fans—belies the intensity of his ambitions. Social media buzzed with admiration, with one fan posting, “Alcaraz loving the Queen’s courts shows why he’s a grass-court beast.” Former British No. 1 Tim Henman lauded his versatility, noting, “Carlos adapts to grass like few others. The court’s condition only enhances his brilliance.”
As Alcaraz eyes a deep run at Queen’s and beyond, his endorsement of the Centre Court underscores the venue’s enduring appeal. With Wimbledon’s new 4:00 PM final start time and electronic line judges on the horizon, the grass season promises innovation and excitement. For Alcaraz, the pristine courts at Queen’s are the perfect launchpad to chase history, one thunderous forehand at a time.
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