Carlos Alcaraz had to briefly pause his Queen’s Club trophy presentation after making a slip that could have upset one of his key sponsors.
The 22-year-old Spaniard secured his second title at the tournament in three years by defeating Jiri Lehecka on Sunday, marking his 18th straight win and setting the stage for a strong Wimbledon campaign.
Following the victory, Alcaraz was all smiles as he accepted the trophy and basked in the crowd’s applause. However, midway through the celebrations, he realized he had made a notable oversight.
While posing for photographs, Alcaraz suddenly noticed something was missing — his watch.
Quickly placing the trophy down, he rushed over to his bag and strapped on his Rolex Daytona, a yellow gold timepiece with a turquoise blue dial valued at around £32,000.
As a Rolex ambassador since 2021, Alcaraz reportedly earns about £6 million annually through the partnership, which likely includes obligations to wear the brand’s watches during official ceremonies.
Fortunately, he managed to correct the mistake in time, and Rolex will no doubt be satisfied that he upheld their agreement — albeit a bit late.
Alcaraz will no doubt be more careful if he finds himself lifting another trophy at Wimbledon in the weeks ahead.
Speaking after the Queen’s Club final, he said: “It’s really special, this trophy and this tournament. I’m happy to lift this trophy once again. Jiri, you had an incredible week and it’s a nightmare to play against you.
“Great week, great job and keep it up for Wimbledon. It has been an incredible week. I came without expectations and just wanted to play good tennis and to get used to the grass.
“I came without expectations at all. Just to play good tennis, trying to be as ready as possible for the grass. I have to say thank you to my team for the whole week.
“I am lucky to have my family, a lot of friends here that made me feel really comfortable on and off court. Without them it wouldn’t be possible.
“Thank you to my team, family, and friends, and all the people who supported me the whole week. It has been really special playing in front of all of you every year. I can’t wait to come back next year.”
Carlos Alcaraz is being tipped as the early favourite to win another Wimbledon crown, even though he enters the tournament as the second seed.
While Jannik Sinner holds the top seeding, his recent loss to Alcaraz in what many consider one of the greatest French Open finals ever has further strengthened the Spaniard’s status as the man to beat.
