Queen's Club Championship 2025: Carlos Alcaraz 'at home' as he dispatches Adam Walton in first round, nine days after French Open epic
Updated 17/06/2025 at 20:16 GMT+1
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Carlos Alcaraz was part of a sporting epic nine days ago when he beat Jannik Sinner over more than five hours to win the French Open title. On Tuesday, he was back in action, winning his first-round match at Queen's. Alcaraz told the crowd how much he loved being in London, where he will soon aim to win the Wimbledon men's singles title for a third year in succession.
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates winning a point against Australia's Adam Walton during their men's singles round of 32
Image credit: Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz said he feels loved in London after winning at Queen's in his first match since that epic French Open triumph.
Alcaraz came from two sets behind to beat Jannik Sinner over five-and-a-half hours in Paris to claim his fifth Grand Slam title.
Events at Queen's on Tuesday were rather more low-key, as Alcaraz beat lucky loser Adam Walton 6-4 7-6 (4) in the first round of the Queen's Club Championship.
Alcaraz certainly did not have things all his own way against the Australian, needing a tie-break to seal victory as he broke his opponent's serve just once in the match.
After the victory, the Spaniard told the crowd how much he relished being back in the city where he will soon be aiming for his third Wimbledon men's singles title in succession.
"Good to be back here in London, back on the grass," Alcaraz said. "I have to say thank you for the really warm welcome I've had in Wimbledon... sorry London! Sorry! In London!
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"I feel at home, I feel loved, so thank you. First match on grass never easy to get used to the competition, get used to the grass.
"I'm really happy with the performance today, I feel great, a lot of things to improve and a lot of things to work on to feel more comfortable, but in general I'm happy to get through.
"I had some days off and I made the most of it. To reset my mind a bit, to rest up. Then my mind is straight here. After the French Open it's just a week to switch to grass so I don't have too much time.
"I would've liked to have more time to relax after the French. I've had a few days back home and a few days to get back here."
The world No. 2 will face Jaume Munar in the second round.
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Video credit: SNTV
Draper 'inspired' at Andy Murray Arena
Earlier, Britain's Jack Draper claimed an impressive 6-3 6-1 victory over American Jenson Brooksby at Queen's.
"My preparation has not been unbelievable. I have had a couple of niggles," Draper said.
"I was thinking I haven't played too much on grass either after a long clay-court season, trying to adapt to that surface and it is a challenge. I am enjoying being at home and staying in my own bed."
It was a boiling hot afternoon in west London, for the match played at the Andy Murray Arena, the newly-named centre court at Queen's following the three-time Grand Slam winner's retirement last year.
"Can't get rid of this guy," Draper joked. "Andy is an unbelievable guy, someone I'm very inspired by and I wouldn't be where I am without him.
"I definitely miss him on the Tour. Thank you Andy, this court deserves to be named after you."
After this week at Queen's, the build-up will intensify until the start of Wimbledon on June 30.
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