The ever improving Carlos Alcaraz has delivered a Wimbledon warning to the rivals as he feels he has been strolling on grass for a decade. The claims came after Spaniard’s only third appearance on the surface and first at Queen’s. Alcaraz who previously has two main draw appearances at Wimbledon will face Alex De Minaur in Sunday’s final at Queen’s Club after emphatically defeating Sebastian Korda of America 6-3, 6-4.
I’m playing great and feeling great,” he said. “I’m really happy to play my first final on grass, and even more here at Queen’s.
“I’m getting better. I’m feeling better every match I play. I feel like I’ve been playing for 10 years on grass. I didn’t expect that.”
Should the 20-year old clinch the title, he will return to world #1 position which he lost to Novak after he secured his 3rd Roland Garros title.
“Honestly at the beginning of the week I didn’t know that I could recover the number one,” he added.
“But when I won yesterday they told me and it is an extra motivation. It’s in my mind and I’m going to go for it. Being top seed and number one is a dream.”
Meanwhile, De Minaur reached his first final at Cinch Championships after passing through a grass-court classic against Denmark’s Holger Rune. The 24-year old recorded a straight set [6-3, 7-6(2)] victory over Dane to register a final appearance as first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt bagged his fourth championship in 2006.
“He’s (Hewitt) played pretty decent here over the years. He’s got a pretty good record,” smiled De Minaur.
“I think I’m a little bit far away from that, but, you know, I would love to be able to put my name on the trophy tomorrow.
“He’s been a huge mentor and he’s my Davis Cup captain, so he’s been messaging me this week as well. Hopefully I can keep it going.”
The current Australian #1 is dating current British number one Katie Boulter who happens to win her maiden title at the Nottingham Open last weekend.
Demon praised the Brit, “I was probably inspired by her last week. I mean, I think she put in a hell of a performance, all things considered. She’s playing her home tournament, she’s British number one for the first time, she’s non-stop playing more Brits so there’s always a lot of nerves and pressure.”
“She went out there, had a great week, made the final and then the biggest match of her career, she played one of the best matches I’ve ever seen her play.To be able to stand and deliver in that crucial point and win her first title, I was like, ‘yeah, I’ve got to watch what she’s doing and learn myself’.
“I think I have tried to replicate that a little bit this week and just be nice and calm, have a positive mindset. You know, it definitely helps. I’ve got to get a couple more tips from Katie.”