Carlos Alcaraz Wins Longest Queen’s Match in 34 Years
Carlos Alcaraz once again demonstrated his resilience and championship mindset in one of the most emotionally charged and physically demanding matches in Queen’s Club history. On a day when the temperature at the Andy Murray Arena soared above 30°C, Alcaraz clawed back from the brink of defeat to beat compatriot Jaume Munar in the tournament’s longest contest in 34 years.
Despite trailing 4-2 in the final set and suffering a misfiring serve, Alcaraz found a way to win. The 21-year-old Spaniard had already racked up 50 unforced errors and dropped four consecutive games. His struggles mirrored the moments he experienced earlier this month during his hard-fought French Open final victory. Yet, as always, the world No. 2 refused to surrender.
Within minutes, he unleashed a barrage of breathtaking winners that left the crowd in awe. He eventually sealed the win 6-4, 6-7(7), 7-5, shaking hands with Munar after an epic battle that lasted nearly three and a half hours. Their showdown marked the longest match at Queen’s Club since 1991, when MaliVai Washington faced Mark Keil. The second set alone consumed 1 hour and 42 minutes. Alcaraz even scribbled a witty note on the BBC TV courtside camera after his victory: “Were we on clay?”
Munar made his presence felt throughout the contest, hammering down 135 mph serves that reminded everyone this match unfolded on grass. But outside of those thunderous serves, little else followed the typical script of a grass-court encounter.
Alcaraz missed a golden chance to wrap up the match in straight sets, double-faulting on match point. His serve failed him in key moments, and the contest transformed into a test of grit, mental strength, and endurance. Still, his brilliance emerged at critical junctures. Munar, ranked No. 59 in the world, displayed remarkable tenacity. After dropping serve early in the first set due to three straight double faults, he recovered impressively. From the baseline, Munar matched Alcaraz stroke for stroke and showed unshakable focus under immense pressure.
Frustration boiled over for Alcaraz, who vented at his coach Samuel López and argued with the chair umpire after receiving a time violation. The heat and Munar’s inspired play pushed him to the edge.
“This match was really tough,” Alcaraz admitted after advancing to the quarterfinals. “I struggled a lot, both mentally and physically. Honestly, I still don’t know how I’m standing here. But I feel very proud that I kept going and earned another shot in the next round.”
This win marked Alcaraz’s 15th consecutive victory—the longest winning streak of his young career. Despite his impressive record, even he couldn’t fully explain how he turned things around.
Corentin Moutet’s Meltdown Overshadows Jacob Fearnley’s Breakthrough
Earlier in the day, Frenchman Corentin Moutet lost his composure—and the match—in a heated encounter against Britain’s rising star Jacob Fearnley. Moutet’s loss in the round of 16 may affect his ranking, but the spotlight firmly stayed on his dramatic behavior and vocal outbursts toward the umpire.
Fearnley, a 23-year-old from Worcester, secured a significant career milestone with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 win. Just a year ago, few outside British tennis circles recognized his name. But Fearnley’s powerful forehand and consistent improvement pushed him into the world’s top 50, and he now celebrates his first-ever appearance in an ATP Tour quarterfinal.
Despite Fearnley’s admirable performance, Moutet’s antics captured headlines. After receiving two time violations in the third set and a code violation for ball abuse, he exploded in frustration.
“I run for three hours every day, and now you’re telling me what to do?” Moutet raged at the umpire. “I explain to you and you still give me a violation. You’re killing me—every day!”
The outburst raised questions about sportsmanship and discipline on the ATP Tour. Still, Fearnley kept his composure and let his racket do the talking, booking his place in the next round with poise.
Katie Boulter Survives Scare to Keep Nottingham Dream Alive
In Nottingham, British tennis star Katie Boulter overcame a tough test from compatriot Sonay Kartal to keep her title hopes alive at the Nottingham Open. The defending champion edged past Kartal with a 6-4, 1-6, 7-5 win in a match filled with tension, momentum swings, and physical exhaustion.
Boulter entered the tournament as the eighth seed but recently lost her British No. 1 status to Emma Raducanu. With pride and momentum on the line, she needed every ounce of determination to extend her unbeaten run in Nottingham to 12 matches.
The match proved more difficult than expected. Kartal, the British No. 3, pushed Boulter to the brink. In the deciding set, Boulter trailed 4-2 and had to save a break point to avoid going a double break down. Fatigue and heat added to her struggles, and at one point she consulted the tournament doctor.
But Boulter regrouped, fought back, and closed out the match with trademark aggression from the baseline. Her ability to manage the big moments and stay composed under pressure allowed her to secure a quarterfinal spot against American player McCartney Kessler.
Conclusion: Alcaraz, Boulter, and Fearnley Shine on a Day of Intensity
The latest chapter in the grass-court season delivered gripping drama, record-setting endurance, and breakout performances. Carlos Alcaraz continued his incredible 2025 run with a display of courage and endurance that thrilled the Queen’s Club crowd. His comeback against Munar reaffirmed his status as one of tennis’s elite competitors and favorites heading into Wimbledon.
Meanwhile, Jacob Fearnley introduced himself to the broader tennis world with a career-defining win. His poise in the face of Moutet’s theatrics showed he belongs at the top level. Katie Boulter’s dogged determination kept her Nottingham legacy intact as she eyes a third title on home soil.
Carlos Alcaraz Wins Longest Queen’s Match in 34 Years
