Carlos Alcaraz sets up Queen's Club title showdown with Jiri Lehecka

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reached the Queen's Club final for the second time, as the World No. 2 eased to a 6-4, 6-4 win over compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut on Saturday.

Alcaraz extended his career-best winning streak to 17 matches, in a semifinal played in sweltering conditions at the Wimbledon warm-up event in London.

The five-time Grand Slam champion hit 36 winners and 15 aces to dispatch Bautista Agut in 90 minutes.

Top seed Alcaraz will face Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic in Sunday's final, following the the World No. 30's shock 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 win against British home favorite Jack Draper in the other semifinal.

Playing in his first tournament since claiming an epic French Open final victory against top-ranked Jannik Sinner of Italy two weeks ago, the 22-year-old advanced to his fifth consecutive final after lifting titles on clay in Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and Monte Carlo.

Alcaraz signaled his emergence as a grass-court force by winning the title at the Queen's Club in 2023, clinching the Wimbledon title for the first time just weeks later, and defending his Grand Slam crown at the All England Club last year.

He is one victory away from becoming just the second Spaniard to lift Queen's Club trophy twice, following Feliciano Lopez's victories in 2017 and 2019.

"I'm playing great tennis. After every match I'm feeling more comfortable. Making the final here is so special once again," Alcaraz said. "I love making the crowds enjoy watching my games. Whenever I put a smile on my face, I play my best tennis. I try to have fun and bring joy on the court. That is why I'm making good results."

Alcaraz wasted little time taking control against Bautista Agut, unfurling a deft drop-shot to break in the third game of the match.

That was all the encouragement Alcaraz needed, as he held serve with ease to close out the first set. He then delivered the knockout blow in the second set. A whipped forehand down the line set up a break point that he converted to move in front 3-2.

The nerveless Alcaraz finished off the win in typically ruthless fashion, to the delight of the fans waving Spanish flags to salute their icon.