Carlos Alcaraz is set to face Jaume Munar in a highly anticipated match in the second round of the Queen’s Club on Thursday. As the two-time defending French Open champion, Alcaraz is eager to solidify his position as a leading contender for this year’s Wimbledon title, alongside fellow competitor Jannik Sinner. This tournament serves as a crucial preparatory event for Alcaraz, particularly since it is his only grass-court appearance before Wimbledon. Notably, he is also the reigning Wimbledon champion, having triumphed over Novak Djokovic in straight sets during last year’s final. However, there is a concern regarding a possible “hangover” following his grand slam success, especially since he faced an early exit at Queen’s last year, losing in the second round.
Munar, currently ranked No. 59 in the world, has previously secured a victory over Alcaraz back in 2021, although Alcaraz triumphed in their two subsequent meetings. Munar’s grass-court record is less impressive, highlighted by a lifetime record of 4-11 on this surface, indicating that while he has potential, he struggles on grass. His first-round match was somewhat fortuitous as his opponent retired after losing the first set.
In another exciting matchup, Reilly Opelka will go head-to-head with Arthur Rinderknech. Although Rinderknech enjoys a 1-0 head-to-head advantage, Opelka recently defeated him in a challenging encounter at the Phoenix Challenger earlier this year. Opelka’s game, characterized by formidable serves, suits the grass surface well, and he reached the semifinals in s’Hertogenbosch the previous week. Conversely, Rinderknech has faced a tough season, holding a 5-15 record prior to this event, despite a recent win against Denis Shapovalov.
Predictions suggest Alcaraz is favored to win against Munar, while Opelka is expected to have the upper hand in his match against Rinderknech. The outcomes of these matches could set the stage for exciting quarterfinals at Queen’s Club.
Overall, the matches promise to showcase dynamic performances as players vie for advancement in this prestigious tournament. The anticipation of Alcaraz’s return to grass, combined with Opelka’s powerful serving, adds a layer of excitement for tennis fans.