Carlos Alcaraz, the current champion of both the French Open and Wimbledon, is set to compete at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in west London. There were initial concerns regarding his attendance following an intense French Open final last weekend, but Alcaraz has confirmed he will participate and is scheduled to hold a news conference on Sunday afternoon.
This announcement is a significant boost for the tournament, which has already lost last year’s finalists Tommy Paul and Lorenzo Musetti due to injuries, along with the 2022 champion Matteo Berrettini, who has been sidelined with an ongoing abdominal issue. Paul was affected by an abdominal injury, while Musetti is dealing with a leg injury sustained during the French Open.
In an impressive display, Alcaraz claimed his second French Open title last Sunday after mounting a remarkable comeback against Jannik Sinner, winning the final in five hours and 29 minutes—marking it as the second-longest in Grand Slam history. Following his victory, Alcaraz took a well-deserved vacation in Ibiza, a tradition he has maintained after Roland Garros.
Alcaraz previously won the Queen’s tournament two years ago, but last year he faced an unexpected defeat in the second round against Jack Draper. Despite that setback, he went on to lift the Wimbledon trophy, contributing to his rising status in tennis.
The men’s event at Queen’s is set to begin on June 16 and is regarded as a vital preparation for Wimbledon. Alongside Alcaraz, the tournament has seen past champions like John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, and Rafael Nadal among its ranks. Alcaraz will face fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina in the first round, while Draper is set to compete against Jenson Brooksby of the U.S.
This year’s tournament is particularly noteworthy as the WTA Tour event, returning for the first time since 1973, will precede the men’s event, marking a significant moment for players and fans alike. Alcaraz’s presence adds enthusiasm and anticipation for the competition ahead.