Carlos Alcaraz labelled Jiri Lehecka a ‘nightmare’ after beating the Czech star in the Queen’s final. Lehecka’s serve caused the Spaniard plenty of problems inside the Andy Murray Arena.

Alcaraz was forced to go the distance against the impressive 23-year-old. He took the first set 7-5 but was defeated in a second-set tiebreaker. After finally getting to grips with Lehecka’s powerful drives across the court, the two-time Wimbledon champion broke twice in the deciding set to win it 6-2. After the match, Alcaraz was presented with an enormous trophy described by BBC presenter Clare Balding as “one of the biggest sports trophies in the world”. He then jokingly took aim at his beaten opponent in an amusing jibe.

He said in his on-court interview: “It’s really special this trophy and this tournament. I’m happy to lift this trophy once again. Jiri, you had an incredible week and it’s a nightmare to play against you. Great week, great job and keep it up for Wimbledon.

“It has been an incredible week. I came without expectations and just wanted to play good tennis and to get used to the grass. It’s really special playing here every year and I can’t wait to come back next year.”

Alcaraz’s victory marked his second Queen’s title. In 2023, He won the French Open before triumphing at Queen’s. The world No. 2 then went on to win Wimbledon and history could repeat itself this year. Victory over Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros earlier this summer means he will travel to SW19 as one of the favourites.

No man has won more titles this year than Alcaraz’s five, nor won as many matches as his 42 victories. Alcaraz is the two-time reigning Wimbledon champion and could become the first man since Roger Federer in 2005 to win the tournament three times in a row.

Meanwhile, Lehecka has risen to world No. 25 after a positive week in London. If he is on the same form at Wimbledon, he will stun plenty of big-name players, just as he did against Britain’s Jack Draper on Saturday.

Speaking after the final, Lehecka said: “It’s tough for me to find some words now but I’m happy I had a chance to fight for the title today. Congratulations to Carlos and your team for doing a great job as always. Unfortunately it just wasn’t enough from me today. Thanks for cheering for me the whole week and [the runner-up shield] looks good too.”