CARLOS ALCARAZ TURNS ON THE STYLE TO BEAT ALEKSANDAR VUKIC IN STRAIGHT SETS TO SET UP THIRD-ROUND CLASH WITH GRAND SLAM FRIEND AND FOE FRANCES TIAFOE
- Defending Wimbledon champ Alcaraz beat Vukic 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-2 on Court No 1
- Alcaraz’s only prior meeting with Vukic ended in defeat at French Open in 2020
- Now he faces a third-round clash with Grand Slam friend and foe, Frances Tiafoe
Carlos Alcaraz corrected a rare blight on his career head-to-head record to set up a third-round clash with Grand Slam friend and foe, Frances Tiafoe.
Alcaraz’s only previous meeting with Wednesday’s opponent Aleksandar Vukic of Australia had ended in defeat at French Open qualifying in 2020 when the Spaniard was 17.
This time on No 1 Court, the defending Wimbledon champion was able to avenge his loss having survived a tricky opening set in which both players had big opportunities to win.
Next up for the third seed is Tiafoe, whom he beat in four hours in an epic 2022 US Open semi-final on the way to winning his first Grand Slam.
Tiafoe, a personal friend, has already admitted he is looking forward to a rematch which prompted the Spanish to respond: ‘I’m going for him!’
‘He is a great person, always smiling, but you can’t be too close to your opponent on the court.
‘Frances always smiles, always seem to like a good time. Our match at the US Open was very close. Hopefully it won’t be this time!’
Alcaraz will be glad world No 69 Vukic tested him in a fluctuating first hour.
The unseeded player was battle-hardened from reaching the semi-finals of Eastbourne last week and winning his first-round match at Wimbledon against Sebastian Ofner having saved a match point.
Alcaraz had the chance to make things easier for himself but surprisingly dropped his serve to love at 5-3. It triggered Vukic to reel off three games in a row but with his opponent serving at 6-5, Alcaraz raised his game and produced a typically deft touch for a crosscourt winner to force a tie-break.
Alcaraz was never behind in the breaker and after brief wobbles at 5-2 and 6-4, he sealed the deal with his second set point to win it 7-5 after 52 minutes.
The contest was never that close again. Vukic suddenly had trouble keeping up with the 22-year-old superstar who has come to SW19 having won his first French Open.
Vukic went long to be broken in the third game of second set and Alcaraz didn’t look back to reel off the next two sets 6-2 6-2, with 11 aces to his name during the match.
‘The first set was key. After that I played to a high level,’ he acknowledged.
With a generation of male superstars either retired or coming to the end, it’s no secret how much the sport needs Alcaraz.
He is fulfilling his side of the bargain, giving the fans what they want, both on and off the court.
Some of his touches were Federeresque and it’s hard to think of another youngster so comfortable with providing good PR.
He gave a cheery wave when given a standing ovation as he entered the court just after half-past two.
When a frustrated Vukic smashed a half-volley out, he gave his opponent a little signal as if to say 'calm down'.
One of his best shots of the afternoon, a backhand winner that helped set up his first break of the match, was greeted with a victory salute. It was expressive and done more out of enthusiasm than arrogance. The crowd lapped it up.
A year on after claiming his first Wimbledon crown, Alcaraz’s assessment of his own current form is ominous for rivals.
‘I am feeling similar to last year,’ he said. ‘I have been in this position before at other Grand Slams, it is special to play as a defending champion.
‘I am happy with the way I played. I feel I am getting better.’
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