Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion, has made a pivotal decision to bolster his grass-court campaign by confirming his participation in the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club, a prestigious Wimbledon warm-up event. The 22-year-old Spaniard, fresh off a grueling five-set triumph over Jannik Sinner in the French Open final on June 8, 2025, had sparked speculation about skipping the London tournament to recover from the marathon match that lasted five hours and 29 minutes—the second-longest Grand Slam final in history. Yet, Alcaraz’s resolve to defend his Wimbledon crown, which he claimed in 2023 and 2024, has led him to embrace the challenge of transitioning from clay to grass with unwavering determination.
The Queen’s Club Championships, kicking off on June 16, 2025, mark Alcaraz’s first grass-court outing of the season. His decision to compete is a significant boost for the tournament, which has already suffered withdrawals from key players like last year’s finalists Tommy Paul and Lorenzo Musetti, as well as 2022 champion Matteo Berrettini, all sidelined by injuries. Alcaraz, who won Queen’s in 2023 but fell to Britain’s Jack Draper in the second round last year, views the event as a critical stepping stone. “It’s about getting comfortable on grass again,” he said after his 2023 Queen’s victory, a sentiment that resonates as he prepares to fine-tune his game on the slick surface.
Alcaraz’s journey to Queen’s began with a brief respite in Ibiza, a tradition he’s upheld for three years following Roland Garros. This year’s trip, however, was notably subdued. “In bed by 12 on Tuesday and Wednesday, although I did go out in the afternoon,” Alcaraz quipped, reflecting on a more restrained celebration with friends, including Tottenham footballer Sergio Reguilón. His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, had urged him to focus on “disconnecting” rather than partying, emphasizing the need to recharge mentally and physically. “I’m getting older, and my body can’t handle it anymore,” Alcaraz admitted, showcasing a maturity that belies his age as he balances the demands of global stardom with the desires of a typical 22-year-old.
The Spaniard’s commitment to Queen’s underscores his ambition to etch his name deeper into tennis history. With five Grand Slam titles already, including back-to-back Wimbledon victories over Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz is poised to join an elite trio—Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and Djokovic—who have won three consecutive Wimbledon titles since 1991. His recent form is formidable: 42 wins in 2025, including 18 consecutive victories, and a perfect 5-0 record in Grand Slam finals. At Queen’s, he faces compatriot Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first round, with potential clashes against Ben Shelton or Holger Rune looming in later stages.
Alcaraz’s grass-court prowess, dubbed “Grasscaraz” by fans, was on full display in his 2023 Queen’s triumph, where he went 4-0 in finals on the surface. His aggressive baseline style, punctuated by a lethal forehand and improved serve, has made him a force on grass. Yet, challenges await. Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, and Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, remain formidable rivals. Alcaraz’s 8-4 head-to-head edge over Sinner, including a five-set French Open final win, gives him confidence, but Djokovic’s hard-court dominance over him, as seen in their 2025 Australian Open quarterfinal, looms large.
As Wimbledon approaches, set for June 30 to July 13, 2025, Alcaraz’s decision to play Queen’s signals his intent to peak at the All England Club, where champions will pocket a record £3 million. His candidness about mental health struggles—admitting to feeling “nervous the whole day” before matches—adds depth to his journey, resonating with fans and peers alike. With training already underway at Queen’s, Alcaraz is ready to embrace the grass, the pressure, and the pursuit of a historic three-peat.
Leave a Reply