Carlos Alcaraz vs Roberto Bautista Agut live: Queen’s tennis scores and results after Draper crashes out
Top seed Carlos Alcaraz fought past Roberto Bautista Agut to book his place in the final after Jack Draper crashed out to Jiri Lehecka
Jack Draper‘s dreams of a home final came to an end at the hands of fellow rising star Jiri Lehecka as the big-serving Czech stormed to victory semi-final victory at Queen’s Club.
Lehecka became the first Czech finalist since Ivan Lendl 35 years ago after a 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 victory, a tough loss for Draper on home soil as he angrily smashed his racket, damaging a digital advertising hoarding as the match slipped away.
It was nevertheless a successful tournament for the British No 1, whose run to the last four guaranteed him a top four seeding at Wimbledon, meaning he’ll avoid playing big guns Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner until at least the semi-finals at SW19.
Talking of Alcaraz, the Queen’s top seed booked his place in the final at Queen’s as he dispatched compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 6-4 in the second semi-final of the day.
Follow the action from Queen’s Club with The Independent
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 3-2 Roberto Bautista Agut*
Alcaraz storms into a 0-30 lead on defence and is staring down what could be a match-winning break of serve.
Bautista Agut brings it back but the excellence of Alcaraz, whose fantastic forehand unlocks the crucial break!
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 2-2 Roberto Bautista Agut
“Does Carlos Alcaraz get bored and let his mind wander?” asks the commentator.
No, of course not. Another supremely convincing hold.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 1-2 Roberto Bautista Agut*
Alcaraz looks on course for a break as he sits 30-40 up on defence.
But once more, Bautista Agut shows his resilience and bravery. A deft drop shot forces deuce before a massive passing forehand puts him within a point of holding.
Alcaraz thwarts him in that pursuit to bring it back to deuce - and despite two consecutive Alcaraz shots ricocheting over off the net cord, Bautista Agut keeps a level head and places it out of reach to regain the advantage.
This time, he makes no mistake. An impressive hold.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 1-1 Roberto Bautista Agut
This is nearly as good as it gets from Alcaraz in terms of technique.
A comfortable hold for the top seed, seeing out his service game with a simple volley close to the net after forcing Bautista Agut wide.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 0-1 Roberto Bautista Agut*
Just like he did in the first set, Alcaraz seeks an early break in the second with Bautista Agut on serve.
He puts his compatriot under serious pressure but Bautista Agut responds well, with a lovely cross-court backhand putting him 40-30 up.
Despite being forced to deuce, Bautista Agut stays resilient and sees out a great hold.
SET! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 Roberto Bautista Agut
Alcaraz is in his mojo and much of the crowd think he’s just put himself in the position of three set points as he belts a stunning passing shot down the line - only for it to be deemed just out.
Does that near-miss shake him? Of course not.
He responds with an ace before lifting a ridiculous dink over the net on the stretch to take the set!
Exhibition stuff from the top seed.
Carlos Alcaraz 5-4 Roberto Bautista Agut*
Not much, if anything, is getting through Alcaraz at the moment when the top seed is on serve. Another good hold.
But on defence, Alcaraz is discovering that Bautista Agut has found his rhythm. He’s only able to pick up a point via an unforced error as the 37-year-old’s serving proves superior, holding to 15.
Alcaraz now serves for the set.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-3 Roberto Bautista Agut*
Alcaraz produces the most straightforward service game of the match so far as he cruises to a simple hold to 15.
Things are far from as comfortable for Bautista Agut, who is forced to deuce and has to engage in a bit of cat and mouse to overcome the top seed. He too eventually holds.
Carlos Alcaraz 3-2 Roberto Bautista Agut*
Alcaraz threatens to break again as his return proves too much for Bautista Agut, launching a belter of a backhand immediately from serve.
However, the 37-year-old stays firm and allows Alcaraz to botch a lob, holding to 30.
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