Carlos Alcaraz continued his men’s singles title defence at Wimbledon by beating British qualifier Ollie Tarvet in straight sets and the Spaniard showed his class after the win
Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz proved that he’s a class act on and off the court after beating British qualifier Ollie Tarvet in the second round of the men’s singles. Spanish superstar Alcaraz won the match 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 on Centre Court, where 21-year-old Tarvet was playing for the very first time.
The Brit didn’t let himself down, producing an impressive display to trouble Alcaraz. But the world No.2’s quality was simply too much, as he chases a third successive title at the All England Club.
After claiming match point, Alcaraz walked towards the net and embraced Tarvet before giving a thumbs-up to his team. The two-time Wimbledon champion then congratulated Tarvet on his performance when speaking to the crowd after booking a place in the third round against an unconfirmed opponent on Friday.
“First of all I have to give a big congratulations to Oliver,” Alcaraz began. “It’s his second match on the tour, I just loved his game to be honest, the level he played in the first match on centre court which I know is very difficult.
“He had great tennis and I knew at the beginning that I had to be really focused and play my best tennis. I was really happy with my performance today.”
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Alcaraz added on the home crowd’s support for Tarvet: “I’m really grateful for the support I am receiving here after every match, every day and every practice, it’s unbelievable to be honest. Playing against someone from here and playing at home is not easy but they were really respectful to me, to the match and to the umpire as well. I love playing in this court and I enjoy it so much.”
The Spaniard has now won 20 tour matches in a row, a feat which was put to him during the interview. “I found the right way I guess,” Alcaraz replied. “I’m trying to enjoy after every match when I step on the court I’m just trying to enjoy, it doesn’t matter if I’m winning or losing.
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“I think that was the key since the last two or three months, having a great consecutive winning streak. I’m just trying to keep it going and keep enjoying, playing in this tournament and this court, just trying to keep going forward is a gift so I’m making the most of my time here.”
The day got even worse for Britain when Katie Boulter lost to Solana Sierra of Argentina in the second round of the women’s singles. Boulter won the first set 7-6 before a 6-2 defeat in the second turned the tide of the match.
The 28-year-old’s exit from SW19 was confirmed in the third set which she lost 6-1, as she failed to equal her best Wimbledon result of reaching the third round. Boulter started her campaign with an impressive win against Spain’s Paula Badosa, beating her 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 on Monday.