Carlos Alcaraz returned to the grass at Queen’s, looking to send out a message ahead of Wimbledon.
The Spaniard is fresh from a blockbuster French Open victory, but as everyone knows, the transition from clay to grass can catch out even the best of players.
It was a case of danger averted for Alcaraz, however, with the world number two beating the lucky loser Adam Walton in emphatic fashion.
Alcaraz will be a popular pick for spectators when they gather at Wimbledon in just over a week, and he will be gunning for a third successive title.
Carlos Alcaraz delivers verdict on the main court at Queen’s
Alcaraz will be hoping to warm up in style ahead of Wimbledon this year, after losing to Jack Draper in the last 16 at Queen’s last year.
The 22-year-old came through the match with Walton pretty convincingly, and he will hope to get his hands on the title this year.
It’s often a topic of discussion for players when it comes to swapping clay for grass, and Alcaraz has praised the court that he played on yesterday.
He said in his press conference: “Well, I mean, it’s pretty good, honestly, because obviously same from last year, two years ago, it was quite different, because, you know, the girls didn’t play the first week.
“So on grass, as less you touch the grass, is much better. But honestly, one week playing and coming this week, I found the court pretty good.
“Quite fast, obviously. Honestly, as time to get used to it, as much time as I spend on court, I will feel comfortable, but the court was pretty good, as always.”
Alcaraz will take some serious stopping at Wimbledon
It’s been rare that Alcaraz has shown any vulnerability at Wimbledon, and that makes him the man to beat this year at the event.
Jannik Sinner will hope to win a maiden Wimbledon title, with seven-time champion Novak Djokovic impossible to ignore in the running.
Alcaraz doesn’t seem overly fazed by ditching the clay and taking to the grass, making him extremely adaptable and a player who will do whatever it takes to be successful.
Wimbledon will once again be eagerly anticipated on the tennis calendar as far as the men’s event goes, Alcaraz is going to take some serious stopping.
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