Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz had to work hard in the first round of Wimbledon on Monday. The world number 3 won 7-6 (7/3) 7-5 6-2 in 2 hours and 22 minutes against Estonian Mark Lajal (ATP 269).
Beaten in the second round in a Queen’s tournament that he had also won last year, the Spaniard did not appear dominant for his return to the legendary Centre Court. He thus lost his serve twice, the second time to find himself trailing 0-2 in the second set.
His opponent had never set foot on a grass court in competition before this summer, when he lost in the second round of qualifying at the Surbiton and Nottingham Challengers. But he gained confidence by coming through three qualifying rounds to earn the right to play in his first Major.
Alcaraz “a little surprised”
After two very tight sets, the 21-year-old Estonian with his hair pulled back into a palm tree on top of his head finally lost, under the eyes of David Beckham in the stands. “He played a very good match and I have to admit that he surprised me a little because I hadn’t really seen him play before,” said Carlos Alcaraz.
“He has a very good level and I am sure to meet him again on the circuit,” continued the Spaniard, in search of a rare Roland-Garros/Wimbledon double following his first Parisian title. Questioned at the end of the match, he said he was “very happy with this first victory on the Centre Court this year.”
Sinner drops a set
Jannik Sinner, who is playing his first Grand Slam tournament as world No. 1, lost a set to German Yannick Hanfmann (110th) in his opening match, before winning 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-3. In the next round, the Italian will face his compatriot Matteo Berrettini (59th), the tournament finalist in 2021.
While he was in control of the match, Sinner let slip the third set, after which the roof of Court No. 1 was closed. During the interruption, while one might have thought that the German would complain about being cut off in his momentum, it was Sinner who pointed out to the umpire that he was forced to wait instead of continuing his serve.
Despite everything, last year’s semi-finalist quickly took back control and won without trembling, despite a few uncontrolled slips which forced him to make a few risky extensions, but which did not seem to cause him any pain.
ats, afp
