Carlos Alcaraz despatched a robust message to his Wimbledon challengers after clinching a second Queen’s Club title, declaring he “feels great” on grass following a gritty win over Czech Jiri Lehecka in Sunday’s ultimate.
The world No. 2 overcame a fierce take a look at from the Thirtieth-ranked Lehecka, grinding out a 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-2 victory within the Wimbledon tune-up to stretch his career-best successful streak to 18 matches.
At simply 22, Alcaraz is hitting peak type on the good time. His scorching run consists of titles on the French Open, Rome Masters and now Queen’s – firmly positioning him as the person to beat on the All England Club.
But the two-time Grand Slam champion had arrived in west London involved about his capability to make the difficult transition from the clay-court season to the distinctive calls for of the temporary grass marketing campaign.
Underscoring the issue of the duty, Alcaraz is the primary participant to win Roland Garros and Queen’s back-to-back since Rafael Nadal in 2008.
“I’m going to say it’s really complicated, the switch from clay to grass in just a few days, because that’s the time I had before the tournament began – just two days of practicing,” Alcaraz stated.
“So I got here right here with no expectations in any respect. I got here right here with a aim to play two or three matches, attempt to really feel nice on grass, and provides myself the suggestions on what I’ve to enhance.
“But I obtained used to the grass actually fast, and I’m actually proud about it. My aim was full, and I’m not speaking about lifting the trophy or making the ultimate.
“It was just to feel great, to feel really comfortable on grass once again.”
For a participant raised on the clay courts of Spain, Alcaraz has develop into a formidable power on the lawns of Queen’s and Wimbledon.
He is barely the third Spanish man to win 4 grass-court tournaments, becoming a member of Nadal and Feliciano Lopez.
“It’s great to be with Rafa and Feli, such great players from our country,” he stated. “Hopefully, now I will not stop here. Hopefully, I’ll keep going.”
‘I had so much hate’
A key a part of Alcaraz’s successful system is his capability to change off from tennis after tournaments to make sure he’s refreshed when he returns to the court docket.
The former world No. 1 partied in Ibiza after his epic five-set French Open ultimate triumph in opposition to Jannik Sinner earlier this month.
He received’t have time for the same vacation earlier than Wimbledon begins on June 30, however he plans to calm down as a lot as potential in London earlier than specializing in his bid for a second successive All England Club crown.
“A lot of people ask me the same question: Are you going to go back to Ibiza? I wish! As I said, I’m a player who needs days off to enjoy, days for myself to spend with my friends, with my family, just to turn off my mind,” he stated.
“I can’t go back home. I’m going to stay here in London, hopefully enjoy it a little bit, then be back and preparing for Wimbledon the best way possible.”
While Sinner crashed out within the Halle second spherical in opposition to Alexander Bublik this week, Alcaraz’s success at Queen’s improved his file since shedding to David Goffin on the Miami Masters in March to a formidable 27-1.
Alcaraz believes that defeat was a turning level in his season.
“I had so much hate when I lost in Miami. A lot of people started to say, ‘What’s going on with this guy? He just lost in the first round, and he didn’t practice, he didn’t go to the court,’” Alcaraz stated.
“I feel that was the important thing – simply to have 5, six days off, not grabbing a racquet, not stepping on the court docket. Just go on trip with my household, to show off my thoughts, to assume what ought to I’ve performed higher?
“I just got the joy back. I started to enjoy playing tennis again, realizing what is the most important thing for me.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com