Carlos Alcaraz struggled throughout his opening match at Wimbledon but his second was far more straightforward.
The Spaniard took on the Brit Oliver Tarvet, the lowest-ranked player in the draw who won his Wimbledon debut match on Monday.
This was undoubtedly the biggest match of Tarvet’s life, and he showed no fear as he took on the five-time Grand Slam champion.
But Carlos Alcaraz produced a far more solid display than in his opening encounter to wrap up a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 victory in Tuesday evening sunshine on Centre Court.
Carlos Alcaraz surpasses Bjorn Borg to break Open Era record after Wimbledon second round win
Alcaraz comfortably progressed through the first set against Tarvet at Wimbledon, but he was pushed hard by his unseeded opponent, who played with no fear against the world number two.
In total the 22-year-old broke Tarvet’s serve on six occasions and blasted 37 winners throughout the contest that lasted just over two hours.
Tarvet did break Alcaraz’s serve late in the third set, but he simply prolonged his stay on Wimbledon’s showpiece court as the Spaniard wrapped up proceedings.
Alcaraz and the world number 733 embraced at the net before the defending champion saluted the crowd who gave him a standing ovation.
This victory means Alcaraz has broken an Open Era record by becoming the youngest player to claim at least 30 consecutive wins at Wimbledon and the French Open.
Alcaraz achieved this feat at 22 years and 56 days, while Borg was 22 years and 356 days at the time he set the record.
Carlos Alcaraz sends message to Oliver Tarvet after their Wimbledon second round match
Alcaraz went from facing a very experienced player in Fabio Fognini in his opening match, to a Tarvet who was playing just his second match in the main draw of a Grand Slam.
The ATP’s world number two was pushed hard by the Brit, who fed off the energy from the home fans.
After playing Tarvet for the first time, Alcaraz took some time to assess his game, and he was very impressed.
“I have to give praise to Oliver, his second match on the Tour. I just love his game to be honest, the Wimbledon champion said during his post-match interview.
“The level he played in the first match on Centre Court, which I know is really difficult, he played great tennis.
“I knew at the beginning I had to be really focused, had to play my best tennis. Today I played just great tennis and I am really happy with my game today.”
