London, June 21, 2025 – Carlos Alcaraz continued his red-hot run on grass today with a commanding 6‑4, 6‑4 semi‑final win over fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut at the prestigious Queen’s Club tournament. The victory extended Alcaraz’s winning streak to 17 matches and marked the 250th match victory of his career.
As Alcaraz sailed into the final, Czech teenager Jiri Lehecka stunned home crowd favourite Jack Draper in a dramatic three‑set thriller, 6‑4, 4‑6, 7‑5, earning his spot in a first-ever grass‑court final at this level. Draper’s explosive frustration climaxed when he smashed his racket against an LED advertising board after a crucial break—an incident that summed up both his raw passion and the physical toll he had been fighting, including a diagnosis of tonsillitis during the tournament.
This year’s final sets the stage for a fascinating clash: Alcaraz, the experienced world No. 2 and defending Queen’s champion, against Lehecka, the young Czech having his breakout moment.
Alcaraz: Grass-Court Domination & Milestone 250th Win
Playing on the iconic grass of Queen’s Club, Alcaraz looked every bit the dominant force. His polished performance featured 15 aces against Bautista Agut, sharp forehands, and a mix of effective drop shots and volleys.
After his semi-final win, Alcaraz reflected:
“I just feel that I’m playing great tennis and feeling more comfortable after each match,” he said, expressing his desire to delight fans. “Making the final here at Queen’s once again is so special… grass mode is activated.”.
This match also represented his fifth straight tournament final, following recent triumphs at Rome, Paris, and other events .
On achieving 250 ATP wins, Alcaraz joins an elite company—McEnroe (250–57), Nadal (250–60), Becker (250–69), and Lendl (250–71)—signaling his rapid rise.
Lehecka’s Historic Breakthrough: Czech’s Grass Spike
At just 23, Jiri Lehecka crafted one of the most electric runs of his season, defeating the second-seed and local hero Draper. He becomes the first Czech male player in 15 years to reach a grass‑court final at ATP 500 level, breaking a drought last seen in Tomas Berdych’s run.
Lehecka’s route to the final showcased his serve prowess (16 aces vs Draper), forehand weapons, and mental resilience. He downed Draper with a fierce forehand down the line in the deciding game, setting off euphoria on court.
He reflected afterwards:
“It means a lot, you don’t beat a player like Jack every day … I really appreciate [the crowd] being fair,” he said, balancing gratitude with humility.
With this result, Lehecka not only records his first win over a top‑10 player since Doha in February, but also cements himself as a formidable grass‑court contender.
Draper’s Grit and Determination Amid Hardship
Though his emotional outburst grabbed headlines, Jack Draper earned respect for his grit. He battled tonsillitis throughout the tournament, but refused to withdraw even when feeling “probably the worst I have felt” .
Draper’s coach and fans lauded his fierce competitive spirit as he fought through illness to reach the semis. Despite the heartbreak and the controversial racket smash, Draper’s performance earned him a Top‑4 seeding for Wimbledon, a career-high ranking, and a renewed belief.
What’s Next? Queen’s Final & Wimbledon Preview
Sunday’s Queen’s Club final presents a classic showdown: the seasoned tactician vs the fearless newcomer. Alcaraz will rely on his elite baseline mastery and grass-court instinct, while Lehecka brings aggressive serve and momentum.
The match is scheduled for tomorrow in the Andy Murray Arena.
With Wimbledon just weeks away, both finalists are emphasizing form over fatigue. Alcaraz chases a third trophy in a row (Italian Open, Roland Garros, Queen’s), while Lehecka eyes a statement breakthrough. Draper, healthy or not, enters SW19 with confidence and home support.
This story isn’t just about today’s results—it sets the stage for a thrilling grass‑court season, culminating at Wimbledon. Expectations are high, narratives are rich, and tennis fans are well-served.
