Jiri Lehecka has reacted to losing a three-set thriller against Carlos Alcaraz in the Queen’s Club final.
Carlos Alcaraz got revenge on Jiri Lehecka, who knocked the star out of the Doha Open in Qatar at the beginning of the year.
Lehecka was incredibly impressive at Queen’s Club, knocking out World No. 6 Jack Draper, Jacob Fearnley, and Alex De Minaur.
The star commented on the loss to Alcaraz in humble fashion, which was received warmly by the London crowd.
Jiri Lehecka finds Queen’s loss to Carlos Alcaraz ‘tough’
Lehecka won the UK crowd over throughout the week, despite dumping out two British stars en route to the final.
They showed him warm applause as he picked up his runners-up trophy and they cheered him as loudly as winner Alcaraz.
“It’s tough for me to find some words now but I’m happy I had a chance to fight for the title today,” said the Czech player after defeat.
He was typically humble in defeat, congratulating his superb opponent on yet another win at Queen’s Club.
“Congratulations to Carlos and your team for doing a great job as always,” he added. “Unfortunately it just wasn’t enough from me today,” before the Czech star turned his attention to the crowd.
Lehecka said: “Thanks for cheering for me the whole week and this [runner’s-up prize] looks good too.”
Lehecka should be a force on the grass at Wimbledon, and no one will want to line up across from him at SW19.
Carlos Alcaraz continues his unstoppable form
Alcaraz’s win in the Queen’s Club final makes it his 18th victory on the bounce on the ATP Tour, dating back to the Barcelona Open on the clay.
That was a straight sets loss to Holger Rune in the final in his home country, and he’s bounced back in some style.
The 22-year-old has won Roland Garros, including one of the greatest finals ever against Jannik Sinner and followed it up with an ATP 500.
He also becomes the first person since Rafael Nadal to win Roland Garros and Queen’s back to back.