Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz kicked off his grasscourt season with a solid 6-4, 7-6(4) win over Australia’s Adam Walton at the Queen’s Club Championships. This match marked Alcaraz’s first outing since his grueling five-and-a-half-hour French Open final victory against world number one Jannik Sinner, just nine days earlier.
Originally set to face fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who withdrew due to illness, Alcaraz was given an unexpected challenge by the 86th-ranked Walton. Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz noted, “I knew I was going to struggle a little bit today, but just really happy to get the win.” The champion of the 2023 edition at Queen’s Club demonstrated his excitement to return to the grass, stating it was “a special surface, a special place to me.”
Despite being under pressure, especially when Walton had set points in the second set, Alcaraz managed to maintain composure, ultimately pushing the match into a tiebreaker, which he secured to conclude the battle. His performance featured effective serve-and-volley tactics along with precise drop shots, showcasing his adaptability on grass.
In other tournament highlights, French qualifier Corentin Moutet pulled off a significant upset by defeating American third seed Taylor Fritz in a marathon match, while second seed Jack Draper earned a straightforward victory over Jenson Brooksby, securing a place in the last 16.
Observers noted that Alcaraz’s pursuit of excellence on grass aligns with his growing resume as a formidable opponent. As he gears up for his Wimbledon title defense, fans remain hopeful about the young Spaniard’s potential to shine on this unique surface, especially after his impressive performance in challenging circumstances.
Overall, the Queen’s Club Championships promise exciting matches, setting the stage for a thrilling build-up to Wimbledon.
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