Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz launches Wimbledon title defence in style with straight sets win over fellow 21-year-old Mark Lajal
- The 21-year-old Spaniard defeated Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal 7-6 (3) 7-5 6-2
- Lajal took Alcaraz to task in the opening set with a break on his serve
- Alcaraz immediately struck back and then smoothly continued to claim the victory
It’s one thing to scare Carlos Alcaraz and quite another to pull off a surprise for the ages. But fair play to the wild-haired qualifier – he got it half right, and that’s a half more than most will get against the reigning champions this fortnight.
If there was one detail in the first round of Alcaraz vs. Mark Lajal that went according to the rules, it was the outcome.
The Spaniard showed up, he won and he didn’t lose a set. We could call it routine, but that would be a grossly unfair assessment of the guy on the other side of the net.
By taking a break of serve lead in the first two sets, the Estonian son of a motocross racer proved emphatically that his world ranking of 262 hid some nice secrets. For most of the match, he pushed Alcaraz to all corners of the court with big serves and a fierce forehand, dragging him to deeper places than we had expected.
No one was more shocked than Alcaraz himself. “I was a little bit surprised at his level – I think Lajal played great,” he said.
Carlos Alcaraz got off to an encouraging start to his Wimbledon title defense on Monday
The 21-year-old Spaniard defeated Mark Lajal 7-6 (3) 7-5 6-2 in two hours and 22 minutes
“This level is not for his ranking. I am sure that if he continues to play at this level, he will improve his ranking, his level and everything.”
It is a mark of Lajal’s anonymity that this was his first Grand Slam match and that he was welcomed into such a world with a place opposite the man who had won three matches on three different surfaces at the age of 21. Incidentally, Alcaraz is only seven days older than Lajal, but a light year away in status.
That said, it is a bit of a shock to see him seeded third at Wimbledon and there is an accompanying frustration at the likelihood of him facing world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. Sinner led Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann on Court No. 1 last night and most would have considered a clash between him and Alcaraz a natural final in two weeks’ time.
The latter’s chances of getting there aren’t hurt by an unexpectedly tough first-round battle – he certainly looked sharp, even if he squandered half of the 10 break points thrown his way. That could be put down to rust, but there was enough cunning in his 7-6(3), 7-5, 6-2 win to suggest another formidable run is on the horizon.
Perhaps the biggest highlight was a drop shot in the third set that was so cushioned, so perfect, so full of spin that it barely bounced an inch. Lajal looked ready to ask for an autograph.
Alcaraz, who managed to break back immediately after each of his blips in the first two sets, said: ‘Honestly, it’s difficult to start the tournament, to play the first rounds. The first match is always difficult to get used to the conditions of the year and I think he plays more calmly.
Lajal is ranked 262nd in the world, but he gave Alcaraz a slight scare with an impressive performance
Alcaraz praised his opponent but insisted he was pleased with his performance on opening day
“It was Centre Court and I think it was his first Grand Slam main event. I think he played with nothing to lose and it’s even harder to play against someone like that. So I’m very happy to get through it, to win today. Hopefully I can keep going.
‘I’m happy with my level, I think I played a solid match, a great match.
“I think it’s a surface where I can show my style. I’ve achieved some great things here on grass (last year). Every time I walk onto the pitch, I enjoy my game here.”
Sometimes it’s a bit less, but he is up and moving.