Alcaraz Triumphs Over Lehecka to Defend Queen's Club Title and Match Spanish Grass-Court Record

• by Arlen Fitzpatrick
• 0 Comments

Carlos Alcaraz Edges Out Jiri Lehecka in Gritty Queen's Club Final

Carlos Alcaraz has hit another big milestone in his still-young career, fending off an inspired Jiri Lehecka to take back-to-back Queen's Club titles on June 22, 2025. The final was anything but a walk in the park. It took the Spaniard three sets—7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2—and every ounce of mental grit to outlast a challenger who pushed him to the edge. For fans in the sun-baked London stands, this wasn’t just a typical win; it was tennis at its sharpest: power, nerves, and the kind of momentum swings that pull you out of your seat.

This was the first time Alcaraz and Lehecka met on court, but looking at how close the battle was, you'd think they’d spent years trading blows. Lehecka, ranked 30th in the world and not yet a household name, forced Alcaraz into a second-set tiebreak with shots that drew gasps and applause. The Czech didn’t just hang with the world number two—he matched him, won the key points, and walked off with the tiebreak at 7-5. Trouble was, he was also spending every shred of energy to keep up.

Going into the decider, Alcaraz looked like he hit the reset button. He broke Lehecka’s serve twice. The difference was almost immediate: those short, punishing rallies you see when someone's taken the mental reins and decided they aren’t going to let go. Lehecka, who had been electric through two sets, started to show signs of wear. His legs got heavier, his first serve lost its sharpness, and suddenly, the Queen's Club crowd sensed the pendulum swinging Spain’s way. Alcaraz, always one of the sport’s best at recognizing a wounded opponent, closed the door hard with a dominant 6-2 third set.

Chasing Legends and Building History

It’s not just another trophy for Alcaraz. This win puts him alongside Rafael Nadal and Feliciano López, two Spanish legends, for the most grass-court titles (four) claimed by any Spanish male player in the sport’s Open Era. Not bad company for a 22-year-old whose best years seem still ahead. And with this, Alcaraz’s grass-court record stretches to an eye-popping 29 wins against only three losses—a number that’s turning heads as the Wimbledon draw looms.

The statistics and the silverware only tell part of the story. Alcaraz’s reaction after the match showed something more: respect. He called Lehecka a “nightmare” to play, and anyone who watched the shifting tides of each set could see why. Lehecka’s shots found corners, his serves bit low off the turf, and he found ways to keep Alcaraz guessing for long stretches. There were moments when it felt like the upset was within reach, especially when Lehecka grabbed that second set tiebreak. But as the third set began, the heavy legs and constant pressure took their toll.

For Alcaraz, this hard-fought win does more than deepen his trophy shelf. It extends his winning streak to 18 matches—hot form at a time when every other top player is also peaking before Wimbledon. Each match on grass is valuable, sharpening his timing for the coming Grand Slam where he’ll chase a third straight title. Coaches talk about momentum, but with Alcaraz, it’s like watching someone build their own legend in real time, match by match.

Lehecka didn’t leave empty-handed, though. He walked away with new fans and the belief that he can rattle—and maybe one day dethrone—even tennis’s biggest names. But on this day at Queen’s, the story was all about Alcaraz: history made, a record tied, and a perfect springboard for another run at Wimbledon glory. If the grass at the All England Club is a proving ground, Alcaraz just planted his flag in the green, once again.