Carlos Alcaraz soared into the Queen’s Club Championships final for the second time.
The 22-year-old claimed the title on debut in 2023 and two years later he has given himself another chance of success.
He faced ATP veteran Roberto Bautista Agut in the semi-finals and it was a competitive match between the two Spaniards in the scorching West London heat.
Alcaraz played some delightful shots in the 6-4, 6-4 victory and will now face the in-form Jiri Lehecka in Sunday’s final.
Carlos Alcaraz shares his thoughts on the Queen’s crowd after winning his semi-final
Carlos Alcaraz faced 37-year-old Bautista Agut for the third time in his career.
Their Queen’s encounter was their first match on grass and as was the case in the other two matches, Alcaraz won in straight sets, which is his 17th successive win.
He claimed a break of serve early in both sets to seal an impressive victory and the crowd rose to their feet after the world number two fired a forehand winner on match point.
During his on-court interview Alcaraz took the opportunity to thank the audience for their support and the positive energy they give him.
“The crowd, yes, I can’t thank enough the support that I’m receiving, especially here at Queen’s from the first day,” Alcaraz said.
“It’s been incredible, the energy that I’m feeling from the court when I hear my name, I feel great, feel ready to start the match.
“Thank you for the support, the energy that you have brought me on the court since the first day, hopefully tomorrow one more day.”
He added: “I love stepping onto the court, putting on a show for the crowd, making them enjoy my games, so I love that, every time that I put a smile on my face, I play my best tennis, I just try to do that, have fun.”
Carlos Alcaraz says where his grass court game is at after reaching the Queen’s final
Just nine days after Alcaraz’s epic French Open victory, he was back on court to commence his grass court season.
He had little time to make the transition to a different surface, but he adjusted well and had a chance to win his fourth title on grass and a second at Queen’s.
Alcaraz was pushed by Adam Walton in his opening match and was trailing in the final set against Jaume Munar before pulling out a 6-4 6-7(7) 7-5 victory.
But he has improved his level match by match, and is now well and truly in the swing of the grass court season.
“I think so, I hope so. As I said at the beginning of the tournament, I was trying to feel more confident every day,” Alcaraz said.
“I feel like I’m playing great tennis, after every match I’m feeling more confident, moving, hitting the shots, and yeah, making the final here in Queen’s is special once again, so I guess, grass mode is activated.”
