Queen’s final 2023 LIVE: Result and reaction as Carlos Alcaraz beats Alex de Minaur in straight sets
Carlos Alcaraz triumphed 6-4 6-4 to win his first grass-court title ahead of Wimbledon
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Carlos Alcaraz secured his first grass-court title and top billing at Wimbledon with victory over Alex De Minaur in the Queen’s final.
The 20-year-old Spaniard overtook Novak Djokovic as world number one, and confirmed he will be a major contender to take the Serbian’s crown at SW19 next month, with a commanding 6-4 6-4 win at Queen’s Club.
Alcaraz was playing only his third ever grass-court tournament, and his first outside of two underwhelming visits to Wimbledon.
In his first match he needed a third-set tie-break to get past French journeyman Arthur Rinderknech, but as the week wore on he grew in confidence on the surface and by Sunday looked to the manor born.
Alcaraz will now be top seed at Wimbledon and, on this evidence, has a genuine chance to emulate compatriot Rafael Nadal, who won at Queen’s in 2008 and went on to claim the big one three weeks later.
Relive the action from the Queen’s final, below:
Watch out, Wimbledon: Carlos Alcaraz is a contender for Novak Djokovic’s throne
Carlos Alcaraz is a champion on grass and back at World No 1. Of the two achievements, only one of them was beyond the expectations of a player who has risen so quickly and so suddenly to the top of the game. The top spot in the rankings had already been accomplished by the age of 19, but just a few days ago the idea of claiming a title on grass appeared to be years away. The Spaniard arrived at Queen’s looking to find his feet; he leaves as the champion and the top seed for Wimbledon. Maybe Novak Djokovic has some competition after all.
A first grass-court title in only his third tournament on the surface stands as one of the most memorable of his young career. “It means a lot to have my name on the trophy,” he said. “I’ve watched this tournament since I started playing tennis - it is special for me to play here so many legends have won here in recent years and seeing my name on the trophy surrounded by the great champions it’s amazing for me.”
From Queen’s
Watch out, Wimbledon: Carlos Alcaraz is a contender for Novak Djokovic’s throne
Alcaraz defeated Alex de Minaur 6-4 6-4 to win his first grass-court title at Queen’s Club
Queen’s final: Carlos Alcaraz beats Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4
As for this man, he’ll basically be second favourite to win Wimbledon itself, after only Novak Djokovic.
Alcaraz goes back into top seed spot as a result of being world No1 again on the back of this victory and there will be huge expectation on him after this fast learning curve on grass.
Queen’s final: Carlos Alcaraz beats Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4
Here’s de Minaur with his runner-up trophy - he had a great week and will surely be confident heading into Wimbledon.
Can he make the second round there?
Queen’s final: Carlos Alcaraz beats Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4
Carlos Alcaraz talking now after lifting the (massive!) trophy:
“I want to congratulate Alex for a great tournament this week, I’m sure you’re going to make more finals and fight for great things.
“It means a lot to have my name on the trophy, it has been special to play here where so many legends have won. Seeing my name surrounded by great champions is amazing.
“Being a No1 and top seed will help at Wimbeldon. But once again it wouldn’t be possible without the support of all my people through the week. I started not well and had to adapt my movement to get the experience on grass.”
Queen’s final: Carlos Alcaraz beats Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4
Alex de Minaur speaking after his defeat:
“It’s been a great week, I was close but not able to get it done today. Congrats to Carlos for the first grass-court title and thanks everyone for the support, it’s been amazing playing here.
“I want to thank my team as well, we’ve had a great week but we’ll come back and get better.”
Queen’s final: Carlos Alcaraz beats Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4
Two of two break points won by Alcaraz; none of two by de Minaur.
That’s exactly where this match was won and lost, where the trophy was gained and missed out on.
Otherwise it was close across the board.
In terms of prize money it’s €477,000 or so for Alcaraz, €220,000 or so for de Minaur.
Queen’s final: Carlos Alcaraz beats Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4
A tremendous match and great effort from both players.
Alcaraz raises his arms in celebration and lets out a roar, his team on the sidelines all on their feet in joy.
The two players meet at the net and embrace - it was a hugely tight first set in particular and de Minaur just fell short when it came to getting close enough to breaking Alcaraz’s serve.
Queen’s final: Alcaraz* 6-4 de Minaur (6-4)
Despair for de Minaur as he reacts to a 137mph serve in time to reach it, but the return goes just long. 30-30.
Alcaraz then wins the next point and he’s at Championship Point.
The Spaniard sends his first serve out, the second is in and sent out by de Minaur - Alcaraz wins Queen’s!
Queen’s final: Alcaraz* 5-4 de Minaur (6-4)
Big cheers for both players as they reemerge for what could be the final game. Alcaraz, serving for the title at Queen’s Club Championship and for the world No1 spot ahead of Wimbledon.
The first point doesn’t go his way though as he sends a shot just wide...and then the second goes long with a very awkward technique. Pressure getting to him? A deep breath before the third service point...and an ace. What pressure?
Queen’s final: Alcaraz 5-4 de Minaur* (6-4)
De Minaur with a double fault which he challenges, but it’s comfortably out. His next serve forces Alcaraz wide and he can’t return - a fist-pump from the Australian as he tries to psych himself up for a big finish.
His next point is brilliant, a fantastic passing shot into the corner, so perhaps it worked.
Another big serve sees Alcaraz only put his reply into the net and that’s the game - but Alcaraz can now serve for the second set and the match.
All or nothing time for de Minaur, he must break his opponent.
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