(London) Never mind Carlos Alcaraz’s lack of experience on grass.
The men’s tennis sensation looks at home on the Queen’s Club lawn. Alcaraz defeated Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-2, 6-3 on Thursday to reach the quarter-finals of the championships.
Alcaraz, second in the world rankings and favorite this week in London, is taking part in this preparatory tournament for Wimbledon for the first time in his career. Yes, these are his first professional matches on grass away from the All England Club, where he will be aiming for a second Grand Slam title next month following his US Open triumph last year.
Alcaraz noted that his expectations on grass “will change” given the manner in which he defeated Lehecka, 36th in the world.
“After this game and this level, I believe I am ready for some good results on grass,” said the Spaniard.
A cross backhand beat Lehecka late in the first set. Alcaraz did not allow a break point to his rival during the set.
Both players made slightly more mistakes in the second set – they committed a total of 41 unforced errors during the game – but Alcaraz shone with their defense and net play. He finished his rival on his third match point, after 1 hour 25 minutes of play.
In the first round, Alcaraz needed over two and a half hours to defeat Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in three sets, two of which required tiebreakers.
“I’m comfortable on the grass here,” Alcaraz said. I’m happy to gain experience on this surface. Knowing that I can play at this level makes me happy. »
In the quarter-finals, Alcaraz will face Grigor Dimitrov, champion in 2014, but who had to go through the qualifications this year.
Dimitrov defeated eighth-seeded Francico Cerundolo 6-3, 7-5.
Frenchman Adrian Mannarino upset third-seeded American Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-6 (7).
A week after defeating Daniil Medvedev in the Netherlands, Mannarino shone on serve. He will face Australian Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals.
De Minaur defeated Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman 6-2, 6-2 in a match lasting just over an hour.
