LONDON — Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion, admitted to being "shocked" by the intensity of his early-round matches at this year’s tournament, surviving two grueling encounters that served as a wake-up call for the young Spaniard.
The 21-year-old, who entered the Championships as the No. 3 seed, faced stern tests in his opening matches against Mark Lajal and Aleksandar Vukic. Despite his status as one of the favorites, Alcaraz was pushed to the limit, dropping sets in both matches and requiring his trademark resilience to advance.
A Rocky Start for the Defending Champion
Alcaraz’s title defense began with a tense four-set battle against Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal, ranked 262nd in the world. The Spaniard struggled to find his rhythm early, losing the first set in a tiebreak before rallying to win 7-6(3), 7-5, 6-2. "I didn’t expect such a tough match," Alcaraz confessed afterward. "Lajal played unbelievable tennis. It was a wake-up call for me."
The challenges continued in the second round against Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic, where Alcaraz again dropped a set before prevailing 7-6(5), 6-2, 6-2. The match was closer than the scoreline suggested, with Vukic threatening to take control early. Alcaraz acknowledged the pressure, stating, "I had to dig deep. These matches show that nothing is guaranteed at Wimbledon."
Key Takeaways from Alcaraz’s Early Struggles
Alcaraz’s shaky start has raised questions about his form and adaptability on grass. Here are the key factors contributing to his struggles:
- Lack of Grass-Court Matches: Alcaraz played just one warm-up tournament (Queen’s Club) due to a right forearm injury, limiting his preparation.
- Opponent Aggression: Both Lajal and Vukic attacked his serve and exploited his occasional defensive lapses.
- Nerves: As defending champion, Alcaraz admitted feeling "extra pressure" to perform.
The Serve and Volley Conundrum
Analysts noted Alcaraz’s reluctance to serve-and-volley, a tactic that has proven effective on grass. His first-serve percentage hovered around 60% in both matches, well below his usual standard. "I need to trust my serve more," he admitted. "Grass rewards aggression, and I’m still learning."
The Road Ahead: Tougher Tests Await
With the early scares behind him, Alcaraz faces a potential third-round clash against Frances Tiafoe, a player who took him to five sets at the 2022 US Open. Beyond that, a quarterfinal meeting with Tommy Paul or Alexander Zverev looms. "Every match is a battle," Alcaraz said. "I can’t afford slow starts anymore."
Former champion Boris Becker weighed in, telling the BBC: "Carlos is still the man to beat, but he’s vulnerable. The draw won’t get easier, and he must raise his level quickly."
Alcaraz’s Mental Resilience Shines Through
Despite the struggles, Alcaraz’s ability to weather storms remains his greatest strength. His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, praised his mentality: "Champions find ways to win even when they’re not at their best. Carlos did that twice now."
The Spaniard’s fighting spirit was evident in key moments:
- Saved 8/10 break points against Vukic in crucial second-set games.
- Won 72% of net points in the Lajal match, showing willingness to adapt.
- Improved his first-serve speed by 10 mph between rounds one and two.
Conclusion: A Champion’s Response Needed
Carlos Alcaraz’s early Wimbledon struggles have set the stage for what could become a defining fortnight. As he told reporters: "I know I have to play better. The good thing is I’m still here, still fighting. Now it’s time to show why I’m the champion."
With the tournament’s latter rounds approaching, all eyes will be on whether the young star can elevate his game. His next matches will reveal if the early scares were merely blips or signs of deeper vulnerabilities on grass.
As tennis legend John McEnroe observed: "Great players use tough matches as fuel. Carlos has that opportunity now. How he responds will tell us everything."