World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz overcame a spirited challenge from Australia's Adam Walton on Tuesday, securing a 6-4, 7-6(4) victory in his grass-court season debut at London's Queen's Club. The Spanish star, fresh from defending his French Open title, faced unexpected resistance from the 28-year-old lucky loser in a match that tested his adaptability on the fast surface.
Walton, replacing Alcaraz's originally scheduled opponent Alejandro Davidovich Fokina after the Spaniard withdrew due to illness, pushed the five-time Grand Slam champion to his limits. The first set saw Alcaraz save two break points at 5-4 before clinching the opener with a clutch hold. The second set intensified, culminating in a tiebreak where Alcaraz's experience proved decisive.
"I feel super happy to be back on grass. It's a special surface, a special place to me," Alcaraz said post-match, reflecting on his nine-day transition from clay-court glory to grass-court competition.
The victory sets up an all-Spanish second-round clash against Jaume Munar, as Alcaraz continues his Wimbledon preparations. With his signature forehand firing 25 winners, the 21-year-old demonstrated why he remains one of tennis's most exciting talents across surfaces.
