Wimbledon has only just begun and it has already produced one of its greatest success stories in recent times.
There were plenty of British players hungry for a chance to play on tennis’ grandest stage in front of their home fans.
Many took the chance as seven British players emerged victorious on day one of The Championships, the most in the event’s history.
One of them is the lowest ranked player in the men’s draw Oliver Tarvet, who claimed an opening round win on his Wimbledon debut.
Annabel Croft assesses Oliver Tarvet’s chances against Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon
Tarvet came through the qualifying rounds to enter the main draw at Wimbledon for the first time.
He faced Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi, who also successfully qualified for the grass court Grand Slam. Tarvet claimed a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory to reach the second round, to the delight of the home fans.
Now he will face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who needed five sets to win his opening match against Fabio Fognini.
Assessing Tarvet’s chances, commentator Annabel Croft explained Tarvert’s strengths and explained how he will be feeling about taking on Alcaraz.
“What I understand, hearing from people who’ve been around him, he is one of the hardest workers out there who literally gives 110% every single practice session,” Croft told BBC.
“But when you speak to him and when you hear him speak, he backs himself and he believes in himself. And I think no one down the other end, he will be fearing at all, including Carlos Alcaraz.
“He’s someone who’s going to get under the skin of opponents, psychologically, and he’ll keep getting his presence felt and bring a big personality onto the court. So it’s going to be fun, particularly as Alcaraz didn’t play his best tennis.
“Of course, Alcaraz is the favourite, but you know, there was a lot that was not going quite so well for Alcaraz in that first match. So let’s see how our Tarvet can go.’
What did Oliver Tarvet say about facing Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon?
Tarvet was ecstatic when he defeated Riedi to book his spot in the second round of Wimbledon.
He is now faced with one of the toughest assignments in tennis at present, to defeat Alcaraz at Wimbledon, something nobody has managed since 2022.
Though the world number two is favourite to take victory, Tarvet is full of confidence in his abilities to beat anyone and he will not back down against Alcaraz.
“I’ve come here and not really set myself any expectations. I’m quietly confident I can win against anyone. Alcaraz isn’t an exception to that,” he said.
“He’s done an incredible amount in the tennis world. He’s a difficult guy not to respect. I will just go out there and try and treat it like another match. At the end of the day, for me, I try and play the ball, not the player.”
