Carlos Alcaraz goes past British qualifier Oliver Tarvet to advance to R3 at Wimbledon

The defending champion Carlos Alcaraz had to sweat it out in the opening round clash against veteran Fabio Fognini. The Spaniard had to battle out for four hours and 37 minutes on Centre Court in his Wimbledon opener but on Wednesday, Alcaraz brought his A-game against British qualifier Oliver Tarvet.

The World No.2 claimed a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 win to advance to the third round at SW19. Alcaraz dominated the first set whereas Tarvet did show some fight in the next two sets but it was not enough.

The five-time Slam champion showered praise on Tarvet for being brave in his shots.

“I have to give praise to Oliver, his second match on the Tour. I just love his game to be honest,” Alcaraz said. “The level he played in the first match on Centre Court, which I know is really difficult, he showed great tennis. I knew at the beginning I had to be really focused, had to play my best tennis. Today I played just great tennis and I am really happy with my game today.”

It has been noted on multiple occasions that Alcaraz plays at his absolute best when he is enjoying himself on the court. On Wednesday, the Spaniard did what he does best.

“I found the right way to try and enjoy after every match,” Alcaraz added. “When I step on the court I am just trying to enjoy. It doesn’t matter if I am winning or losing. That is the key for the past two or three months, having a great consecutive winning steak and I am just enjoying.”

On the other hand, Novak Djokovic defeated Alexandre Muller 6-1, 6-7(7), 6-2, 6-2 in the first round.

Furthermore, Arthur Rinderknech stunned Alexander Zverev by 7-6(3), 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4 in four hours and 44 minutes.