At 21 years old, Carlos Alcaraz enjoyed one of those moments that the tennis elite savors with special pleasure. He is one of them. At a young age he already has three Grand Slam titles, on three different surfaces, he has become world number one. In one breath he achieved what many did not even dream of.
But at the moving level there is no past, almost present. You always look to the next game, to the crown to win the next one. But within minutes the Spaniard was able to walk through the corridors leading to the Wimbledon headquarters with the satisfaction of completing a ritual done in his honor, in consideration of the current men’s champion.
Alcaraz presided over the ‘Cathedral’ of world tennis in the 2024 edition. Not with the brilliance or intensity needed to dethrone Serbian Novak Djokovic in the 2023 final, but with enough quality to establish distinctions with the visitor for the occasion, a rival from a country with more tradition in rallies than tennis , Estonia.
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Mark Lajal, a week younger and world No. 269, 7-6 (3), 7-5 and 6-2 in 2h.22′. In a practically perfect debut. In busy moments, situations that require reaction capacity and progress from less to more to advance the pass to the second round, against the Austrian Sebastian Ofner or the Australian Aleksandar Vukic.
Alcaraz warned everyone in the team that he is ready to try to renew his success in London, to do the double Roland Garros-Wimbledon, in the way of the ‘Big 3’ (Nadal, Federer and Djokovic), Bjorn Borg or Rod Laver . The defeat against the British Jack Draper on the lawn of the Queen was circumstantial, almost a need to relieve tension, renew sensations and desires.
Also got rid of the pain in the right arm, everything depends on itself. He enjoyed the (still) pristine lawns of the AELTC, showing his knack for filigree, creativity, and also confidence in delicate moments.
Feeling superior against a Grand Slam rookie, in his seventh match at the highest professional level, Alcaraz recovered from disadvantages in the first two sets. Break 2-3 and 0-2, respectively. They then reeled off two blank game, eighteen point streaks.
A message of security, a reflection of superiority in a very dangerous Lajal when he played happily. Because of his height (1.91 m) and skill in his hand. Well equipped for grass, but not enough to withstand pressure. When he found himself at the top of the scoreboard, he was instantly bored. It’s one thing to enjoy having nothing to lose and another to enjoy suffering. It’s a move that only stars like Alcaraz make, and after a period of speculation and experiencing many situations.
This Alcaraz has a lot of room for improvement. Logical, since he has seven games to play overall. But it has the basis to grow in competition as the obstacles are raised.
Eighth straight win at Wimbledon, where he seeks to become the ninth professional to retain the title from one year to the next.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
