Carlos Alcaraz may have taken inspiration from his last defeat to Jiri Lehecka in order to topple him at Queen’s Club.
Alcaraz has been called ‘magic’ for Queen’s Club performances against Adam Walton, Jaume Munar, and Arthur Rinderknech.
His win over Robert Bautista Agut earned Alcaraz his 250th ATP Tour win, but he faced his toughest test against Lehecka in the final of the London event.
The 22-year-old lost to Lehecka in their previous meeting in Doha at the beginning of the year, where Alcaraz revealed exactly what he needed to do the next time the two men played each other.
Carlos Alcaraz used previous experience to defeat Jiri Lehecka at Queen’s
Alcaraz suffered a surprise 6-3 3-6 6-4 loss to Lehecka in Doha, but the star learned from his defeat to win at Queen’s Club.
“It was about one point,” said Alcaraz on court after his defeat. “I think that’s what makes tennis really difficult. One point makes a difference.”
The star looked back on shots, which he surely had in the back of his mind during his Queen’s clash with the Czech player.
“At 4-2 break point, it was just a few centimetres down in the net, so it could turn the match completely,” explained Alcaraz. “But then, 4-3, he started playing great tennis.”
“Next time, I just have to keep going when I am up in the match, with serves,” explained Alcaraz as he conjured up a game plan of his own.
That’s exactly what Alcaraz did as he picked up a three-set victory against the World No. 30, winning 7-5 6-7 6-2 to win his second Queen’s trophy.
Carlos Alcaraz comments on Emma Raducanu watching Queen’s victory
Emma Raducanu made headlines by appearing in the crowd for Alcaraz’s victory over Bautista Agut at Queen’s Club.
Raducanu and Alcaraz are set for doubles at the US Open and fans are eagerly anticipating the two popular stars’ pairing.
Alcaraz was asked about the British No. 1’s appearance in the crowd during his Queen’s Club semi-final.
“I’m just glad. I mean, I was focused on the match. I didn’t see her afterwards,” said Alcaraz after his straight sets victory.
“I am just glad that she came to support me, to watch my match. Yeah, I think it was great having her in the stands.”
Alcaraz and Raducanu are set to play the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship on August 19 and 20.