Carlos Alcaraz once again proved his resilience on the grass courts at the Queen’s Club Championships, emerging victorious from a grueling three-hour and 23-minute marathon against compatriot Jaume Munar. It was the longest match at Queen’s since 1991, and the Spaniard’s thrilling comeback—after trailing 4–2 in the final set amid scorching temperatures—showcased his mental grit and physical endurance.
Playing on the hottest day of the UK season, and just 11 days after his historic French Open triumph, Alcaraz saw his serve falter and accumulated over 50 unforced errors. Nevertheless, he delivered inspired returning and clutch shot-making in the decisive moments. Munar had even claimed two match points before Alcaraz rallied to seal a 6‑4, 6‑7(7), 7‑5 win, extending his career-best streak to 15 straight victories.
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“I still don’t know how I’m standing here,” Alcaraz admitted, reflecting on the physical and mental toll. His quip, scrawled camera-side, “Were we on clay?” humorously summed up the unusual length and intensity of the match. The second set itself lasted an astonishing 1 hour and 42 minutes—the kind of epic rally rarely seen on fast grass. Alcaraz’s victory sends a strong message ahead of Wimbledon: he remains a formidable force on any surface. He’ll now face Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in the quarterfinals, a player he’s already beaten twice on grass, though past battles suggest this match will test him just as severely.
Munar’s performance, too, deserves praise. The world No. 59 hit thunderous serves, rallying fiercely and saving match points to push Alcaraz to the brink. His valiant effort underscores the depth of talent on the ATP tour and the unpredictability of best-of-three grass-court battles. As for Alcaraz, this match reaffirms his championship mindset. Battling through exhaustion and self-doubt, he leaned on sheer determination and strategic shot selection. His ability to lift his game under extreme pressure has become a trademark of his play—and a major reason he remains among the sport’s elite.
Beyond the result, this epic journey highlights the growing intensity of men’s tennis in 2025. With players returning from the clay court grind to face sweltering conditions in London, endurance and adaptability are as crucial as shot-making. Grass specialists like Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper are watching closely—Alcaraz’s performance sends a clear warning. In sum, Carlos Alcaraz’s triumph at Queen’s is not just another win—it’s a statement. His battle-tested character, unwavering focus under duress, and physical stamina solidify his readiness for Wimbledon. The tennis world will be watching closely as he marches on, mark in hand, making fans wonder: Just how far can he take this run?
