Carlos Alcaraz has kicked off his title defense at Queen’s Club with a resounding victory over Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina, signaling a strong start to his grass-court campaign since his Wimbledon triumph last year.
The 21-year-old Spaniard, fresh off his impressive win at the French Open, where he secured his third major title, transitioned smoothly to grass with a 6-1, 7-5 win in his opening match.
Alcaraz, currently ranked world number two, faced a challenging test from Cerundolo, ranked 26th, particularly in the second set where he had to overcome a deficit to secure the win.
Despite his recent successes on clay, Alcaraz acknowledged the unique demands of grass courts, emphasizing the constant learning process required to adjust his game and movement.
The match saw Alcaraz dominate the first set, dropping just 14 points and showcasing his powerful game. However, the second set posed challenges as Cerundolo fought back, even holding set points at 5-4.
Alcaraz, demonstrating his mental resilience, saved those set points and broke Cerundolo’s serve to clinch a 6-5 lead before serving out the match to love.
Reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz acknowledged the difficulty of starting the grass season and the pressure of expectations. “The first match in every tournament is never easy but even more difficult here on grass,” he noted. “Starting the grass season, you want a good result and you have to deal with the expectations you put on yourself.”
Looking ahead, Alcaraz remains focused on his journey at Queen’s Club, recognizing each match as an opportunity to refine his skills on grass. “It was a good test against Francisco,” he remarked. “I’m really happy with what I’ve done and hopefully can keep going.”
In the next round, Alcaraz will face either Jack Draper, the new British number one, or Mariano Navone of Argentina. His strong performance at Queen’s Club not only solidifies his standing as a formidable contender on grass but also sets a positive tone as he aims to continue his success throughout the grass-court season.
With his determination and talent on display, Carlos Alcaraz remains a player to watch in the upcoming matches as he seeks to defend his title and further assert his presence in the world of tennis.