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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Your support makes all the difference.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:
Queen’s final first set: Alcaraz 5-4 de Minaur*
The final of drop shots and lobs so far, this. The Australian No1 sees one of the former pay dividends this time, just stopping shy of the net as he sprints to the centre, but then completely misplaces an open backhand, sending it long and gifting a break point.
He can’t claim it back either - Alcaraz gives a huge shout as a de Minaur shot goes long and the first service of the match is broken. The Spaniard will serve for the first set.
Queen’s final first set: Alcaraz* 4-4 de Minaur
A big game to hold! Some good returns from de Minaur but Alcaraz fining range in his serves and second serves now.
Another great lob from de Minaur this time finds its mark and brings the game to deuce; Alcaraz sends one into the net for the match’s first break point - then responds with an absolute rifle of an ace at 137mph.
It swings back and forth as de Minaur’s pace across the ground is on show again with a reverse drop backhand earning another break point, but Alcaraz clings on as the wind just about favours him on more than one lengthy point.
Both these players looking sharp today. We’re only eight days out from Wimbledon now!
Queen’s final first set: Alcaraz 3-4 de Minaur*
Pretty comprehensive from de Minaur and he’s 4-3 up as we go to new balls.
He’s probably winning his service games a little more smoothly than Alcaraz, if anything right now.
Really good work from deep from de Minaur, but also very quick across the ground.
Queen’s final first set: Alcaraz* 3-3 de Minaur
De Minaur challenges the first point of the game but the call is right and stands - Alcaraz’s shot was just in.
Then it’s another series of improbable recoveries from the Australian before he slightly goes long on a lob, leaving his younger opponent somewhat relieved. Could have finished him earlier with a passing shot or volley, really.
Both players showing lightning reflexes here and de Minaur will feel he should be on a break point or two, but a rally at the net ends in Alcaraz triumphing and he goes on to win the game, 3-3.
Queen’s final first set: Alcaraz 2-3 de Minaur*
A bit of fortune, a bit of quality. One clips the net and drops just over, favouring de Minaur, but after Alcaraz fights back to 40-30, the Australian has the precision in his game to force a few overhit efforts.
No breaks of serve so far after five games and both looking strong.
Queen’s final first set: Alcaraz* 2-2 de Minaur
A magnificent lob from de Minaur sends Alcaraz right to the baseline and the attempted shot through the legs doesn’t quite clear the net.
The crowd delight in a couple of spectacular attempts and the fact they’re quickly getting their money’s worth in terms of a sense of occasion and quality.
A more routine rally then ensues and several massive forehands from Alcaraz has de Minaur scampering all over - the Spaniard tucks one away eventually and takes the game for 2-2.
Queen’s final first set: Alcaraz 1-2 de Minaur*
A series of big serves from de Minaur are too much for Alacaraz to return and the Australian races into a 40-0 lead.
Another attempted Alcaraz drop shot doesn’t come off well enough, de Minaur races across and clips one toward the line which the Spaniard cannot return. Game to love.
Queen’s final first set: Alcaraz* 1-1 De Minaur
The reverse on show. De Minaur claims a couple of points but Alcaraz fires back and wins his service in pretty routine fashion.
Queen’s final first set: Alcaraz 0-1 de Minaur*
From love-30 down, de Minaur holds his serve. Fine work from him to work back into the game in calm fashion and win the first.
Queen’s final first set: Alcaraz 0-0 De Minaur*
Two big serves but well-returned by Alcaraz, making his case very quickly that the Australian will have to be at his absolute best today to triumph.
Alcaraz whips one across court and then goes to play his first patented drop-shot...but it falls short, into the net. An unnecessary mis-step and de Minaur wins three in a row.
Another fantastic rally ensues and Alcaraz just about does enough to win - we’re at deuce.
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