Carlos Alcaraz continued his remarkable run of form by defeating compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets to book his place in the final at Queen’s Club. The reigning champion outclassed the 37-year-old 6-4, 6-4 in west London, registering his 17th consecutive win and the 250th victory of his career.
The 22-year-old French Open champion looked far more comfortable than in his marathon three-hour battle earlier in the week against Jaume Munar. Against Bautista Agut, Alcaraz seized early breaks in both sets and never relinquished control on a warm afternoon in the capital.
“I’m feeling I’m playing great tennis and feeling more comfortable,” said Alcaraz, who is now into his fifth consecutive final. “I love stepping on court and love playing with a smile on my face. That’s why I’m making good results.”
Awaiting Alcaraz in Sunday’s final is Czech Jiri Lehecka, who stunned home favourite Jack Draper in a gripping semi-final, prevailing 6-4, 4-6, 7-5.
Lehecka, ranked 30th in the world, became the first Czech man to reach a top-level grass court final in 15 years. Displaying nerves of steel, the 23-year-old broke Draper at 5-5 in the deciding set with a pair of sublime passing shots, triggering a frustrated outburst from the Briton, who smashed his racket against a courtside advertising board and was handed a code violation.
Despite the partisan crowd, Lehecka held firm to serve out the match in style, celebrating his first win over a top-10 player since defeating Alcaraz in Doha earlier this year.
“It means a lot. You don’t meet a player like Jack every day, he’s an amazing competitor,” Lehecka said after silencing the Centre Court faithful.
Draper, the second seed, had hoped to emulate the feats of five-time Queen’s winner Andy Murray but was left to reflect on what might have been. Nevertheless, his performance ensures he will be seeded fourth at Wimbledon, which begins on 30 June.
“I’m proud of the way I went about things, considering,” said Draper, who revealed he has been battling tonsillitis. “My main goal is to go into Wimbledon as prepared as possible and as fresh as possible.”
Sunday’s final promises a compelling contest as in-form Alcaraz seeks to defend his title against an inspired Lehecka in one of the most anticipated matches of the grass-court season so far.