Escape from Alcaraz refreshes king Carlos

CARLOS ALCARAZ credited his holidays away from tennis for his hot summer form as he warmed up for Wimbledon by winning Queen's.

- By Neil McLeman

The French Open champion yesterday won his 18th match in a row by holding off Jiri Lehecka 7-5 6-7 6-2 in an entertaining final.

The world No.2 became the first player to complete the French Open-Queen's Club double since his fellow Spaniard Rafa Nadal in 2008.

And he will begin his bid to win a third consecutive Wimbledon title as the strong favourite on June 30.

Alcaraz won his previous final in a five-set epic against Jannik Sinner at the French Open this month and then took a break in the Balearic Islands, where he played some football with Tottenham defender Sergio Reguilon.