Carlos Alcaraz battles past Jiri Lehecka in gripping final to win second Queen’s title in three sets

Carlos Alcaraz lifted his second Queen’s title on Sunday with a thrilling 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2 victory over Jiri Lehecka, fending off a ferocious challenge from the in-form Czech to seal his 21st career trophy—and fifth of 2025.

The 21-year-old Spaniard, ranked world number two, was made to fight for every inch of his win in a contest packed with drama, momentum swings, and moments of dazzling brilliance. Alcaraz arrived in West London fresh from his French Open triumph, and after a cautious start to the grass season, he looked every bit the Wimbledon favourite as he closed out his 18th straight victory.

The first set saw Alcaraz assert early dominance. He probed Lehecka’s backhand relentlessly, forcing errors and carving angles that left the Czech scrambling. At 5-5, the Spaniard struck decisively, breaking serve before serving out the set with a roar and clenched fist.

Yet Lehecka, who knocked out Britain’s Jack Draper in the semi-final and is one of just five men to have beaten Alcaraz this year, refused to fold. The second set became a gritty baseline battle. Both men held firm until the tie-break, where Alcaraz seemed to have turned the tide with an audacious lob after chasing down a drop shot that had fans on their feet. But Lehecka regrouped instantly, hammering down an ace to level the match and drag the final into a third set.

It was the kind of response that might have rattled a lesser opponent. Not Alcaraz.

Within moments of the decider, the Spaniard broke serve with clinical efficiency, dictating points from the baseline and pouncing on every short ball. His forehand found new venom, and his movement—always a hallmark—looked effortless as he raced through the final set 6-2, never allowing Lehecka another chance.

Alcaraz fell to the grass in triumph, his face etched with relief and joy. “I’m happy to lift this trophy once again,” he said after the match. “It has been an incredible week. I came without expectations and just wanted to play good tennis and get used to the grass. It’s really special playing here every year, and I can’t wait to come back next year.”

Though the scoreline in the final set suggested a rout, the contest was anything but straightforward. Lehecka, ranked 23rd in the world, showed no fear and matched Alcaraz blow for blow through the first two sets. His aggressive style—built on pace and clean hitting—earned him plenty of admirers in the Queen’s Club crowd. But when Alcaraz shifted gears, he simply had no answer.

The Spaniard’s win also marks a major statement ahead of Wimbledon, which begins on 30 June. With his grass game now firmly in place following a full season on clay, the defending champion heads to SW19 as the man to beat.

Alcaraz’s relentless rise continues. The five-time Grand Slam winner blends power, flair, and mental toughness in ways few others can. And if his Queen’s form is anything to go by, a third Wimbledon title may be just around the corner.