London – In at least one game, it appeared that Carlos Alcaraz could take part in an incredibly tough encounter at Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
However, after saving three breakpoints in the opening service game against the 733 rank Oliverter bet, it’s a bit more comfortable for the defending champion.
He had to face eight more breakpoints along the way – saving all but two – a much smoother victory than a 4-hour five-set victory over Fabio Fognini in the opening round.
Still, Alcaraz couldn’t help but be impressed with the University of San Diego students playing in his first Grand Slam tournament.
“I love his game to be honest,” Alcaraz said. “In the beginning, I knew I had to really focus and try to play the best tennis.”
He was asked about his recent success – he is the longest 20 games in a row in his tour-level career defending his title with Roland Garros – Alcaraz has said that for the past two or three months his key “it doesn’t matter if I win or lose.”
Alcaraz, 22, has become the third man in tennis history to win more than 20 matches at both the French Open and Wimbledon before his 23rd birthday. Others are Bjorn Borg and Rafael Nadal.
He then faces Felix Auger Alicim or Jean Leonard Streff, the 25th in the third round.
Alcaraz has already established himself as a huge fan favorite at the All England Club, but this was the first time he had faced a British player in a grassy grand slam.
“I know it’s not personal,” Alkaraz said.
San Diego junior Tarvet is expected to receive £99,000 ($135,000) to reach the second round. However, with each NCAA rule, he cannot accept prizes that exceed the amount that covers his expenses if he wants to finish his final season in college.
In other men’s results on Wednesday, Francis Tierfour fell on the third day of the tournament, losing to local favourite Cameron Norry in the fourth set.
Russian Karen Kachanov, seed No. 17, passed Japan’s Harushima Crown Prince 1-6, 7-6 (7), 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a fierce battle to reach the third round. Russian Andrei Lubrev’s companions, sown on the 14th, gathered from the set to beat South African Lloyd Harris 6-7 (1), 6-4, 7-6 (5), and 6-3.
Nuno Bordgis, who also advanced, became the third Portuguese player to make the final 32 at Wimbledon during his opening days (since 1968). He beat British Billy Harris 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7).
ESPN research, Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
