The 2025 Queen's Club Championships in London have already delivered some thrilling tennis action, with day two showcasing notable upsets and impressive performances on the lush grass courts. Among the standout moments was qualifier Corentin Moutet's stunning victory over third seed Taylor Fritz, a result that has sent ripples through the tournament and set the stage for an intriguing second round.
Moutet, the 26-year-old French left-hander, entered the main draw after battling through qualifying rounds, where he secured hard-fought three-set wins against Mattia Bellucci and compatriot Arthur Rinderknech. His journey to the main event was marked by resilience and skill, with matches lasting over two and a half hours each. Despite a challenging grass-court record of 8-10 prior to the tournament, Moutet demonstrated his capability to compete fiercely on this surface.
Facing off against Taylor Fritz on June 17 at the iconic Andy Murray Arena, Moutet was up against a formidable opponent. Fritz, ranked World No. 4 as of June 9, 2025, came into Queen's fresh from a dominant performance at the ATP Stuttgart Open, where he clinched his ninth tour-level title without dropping a set or having his serve broken. His powerful serve, tactical calmness, and consistency have been hallmarks of his 2025 season, which boasts a 21-10 win-loss record and a recent four-match winning streak heading into the tournament.
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Fritz started strong, taking the first set 7-6 (7-5), showcasing his serve and groundstrokes that had been so effective in Stuttgart. However, Moutet refused to back down. With his flair and unpredictable shot-making, the Frenchman pushed the contest into a tense second set, which he narrowly won 7-6 (9-7). The deciding set saw Moutet maintain his composure and edge out Fritz 7-5, securing one of the biggest wins of his season and marking his 11th main draw victory of the year.
This win was a significant upset given Fritz's recent form and ranking, but Moutet's tenacity and grass-court adaptability on the day proved decisive. It was also the first career meeting between the two players, making the result all the more remarkable. The victory propels Moutet into the second round, where he will face the Australian Alexei Popyrin, who himself is looking to make waves in the tournament.
Meanwhile, British hopes were buoyed by Jack Draper's commanding performance. Draper defeated Jenson Brooksby 6-3, 6-1 to advance to the second round, where he is set to face Popyrin as well. Draper's powerful game and home crowd support make him a player to watch as the tournament progresses. Another British wildcard, Dan Evans, is also through to the next round after overcoming American Brandon Nakashima, adding further excitement for the home fans.
The top seed, Carlos Alcaraz, also continued his campaign with a solid straight-sets victory over lucky loser Adam Walton, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4). Alcaraz’s win marked his first victory on grass this season, an important milestone as he adjusts to the surface following the French Open. Speaking on court, Alcaraz expressed his appreciation for the warm London welcome and reflected on the challenges of transitioning to grass: "Good to be back here in London, back on the grass. I have to say thank you for the really warm welcome I've had in Wimbledon...sorry London! Sorry! In London! I feel at home I feel loved so thank you. First match on grass never easy to get used to the competition, get used to the grass." He acknowledged the need for improvement but remained positive about his performance and preparation.
However, not all top seeds enjoyed success. Fifth seed Alex de Minaur suffered a straight-sets defeat to Jiri Lehecka, 6-4, 6-2, highlighting the unpredictability and competitiveness of the ATP 500 event.
Across the country in Nottingham, British women’s tennis was also in the spotlight. Katie Boulter began her title defense with a straight-sets win over Lulu Sun, while Sonay Kartal defeated Frenchwoman Leolia Jeanjean in two sets, signaling strong form from the home side in the women's circuit.
The Queen's Club Championships continue to be a pivotal grass-court event leading up to Wimbledon, providing players with crucial match play and momentum. Fritz’s loss, despite his recent stellar form and powerful serve that had yielded 11 aces and an 88% first-serve win rate in Stuttgart, underscores the unique challenges grass courts present and the depth of competition.
With the tournament progressing, fans can look forward to exciting matchups, including Draper versus Popyrin and Alcaraz’s upcoming clash against either Jordan Thompson or Jaume Munar. The blend of emerging talents and established stars battling on grass promises a captivating build-up to the summer's Grand Slam.
As day two concludes, the narrative is clear: the Queen’s Club is delivering drama, upsets, and high-quality tennis, setting the tone for a compelling grass-court season.
