WIMBLEDON-. Carlos Alcaraz began the defense of his title in the tournament Wimbledonwinning on Monday 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-1 against the Estonian Mark Lajal.
As reigning champion, the 21-year-old Spaniard enjoyed the privilege of jumping first onto the immaculate grass of the legendary Center Court.
Aryna Sabalenka’s injury has overshadowed her performance on the first day of the grass-court Grand Slam.
Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, was suffering from a shoulder injury. The Belarusian said she was “heartbroken” stating that, after a practice session, she was not in optimal condition to play.
The third seed was identified as one of the main candidates for the women’s title at the All England Club, which has had seven different champions in the last seven years.
Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic last year and last month won his first French Open title to claim his third major title.
The world number three used his experience to beat Lajal, number 269 in the ranking who made it through the qualifying round, in a matter of 2 hours and 24 minutes.
“Entering this court, the most beautiful I’ve ever played on,” Alcaraz said. “I still get nervous when I play here… I’m privileged to be able to do it.”
Greek Maria Sakkari, seeded ninth, was one of the first winners of the day, and said after beating McCartney Kessler 6-3, 6-1 that the women’s draw is wide open.
Seventh seed Jasmine Paolini, a finalist at last month’s French Open, advanced past the first round at Wimbledon on her fourth attempt. The Italian beat Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-5, 6-3.
In the men’s draw, Russian Daniil Medvedev (5th seed) defeated Aleksander Kovacevic 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, and Norwegian Casper Ruud (8) beat Alex Bolt 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-4. Canadian Denis Shapovalov eliminated Chilean Nicolas Jarry (19th) 6-1, 7-5, 6-4.
Source: AP
