Alcaraz Shines in Wimbledon Opener, Medvedev Cruises Through: Day 1 Recap

Alcaraz, the ideal entrance

As tradition dictates, the defending champion opened the show on Centre Court on this first day. Carlos Alcaraz did not tremble, but thanks to his opponent, Mark Lajal, who played a very good game for two sets, the Spaniard had to work hard and be serious. Enough to put him in his tournament right away. Winner in three sets (7-6, 7-5, 6-1 in 2h21), the recent winner of Roland-Garros was sometimes jostled by the amazing Estonian player, who nevertheless dropped off significantly after the first two sets.

But for nearly two hours, Lajal, ranked 269th in the world, played at a much higher level than his ranking indicates. We won’t go so far as to say that he has any regrets, but he still broke first each time in the first two sets. Unfortunately for him, he was unbroken both times in quick succession. Carlos Alcaraz therefore didn’t even have time to feel the slightest hint of concern.

The world number 3 produced a few drop shots that he has the secret to, which delighted the crowd in the centre court, where a certain David Beckham had taken his place, and, as is often the case in this type of match, it was in the most heated moments and on the most important points that the difference between the two men was glaring. Once the second set was in the bag, Alcaraz unfolded in the final act. Lajal was no longer there. But he can be proud of what he produced in such a prestigious setting, against an opponent of this caliber.

Medvedev starts cleanly

Daniil Medvedev reached the semi-finals last year at Wimbledon. It was the first time that the Russian finally managed to shine on the English grass. He intends to do it again in this 2024 edition and he started his fortnight rather well by winning in three sets against the American Aleksandar Kovacevic, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, in just under two hours.

“It was a good match, not as easy as the score indicates,” he said on court after his victory. “I’m happy to have played on court number 1, it’s my court favorite, I think I must have won 9 or 10 times here and I have never lost. I hope I will play many more matches on this court! Daniil Medvedev will face a Frenchman for a place in the round of 16. It will be Alexander Müller, winner of his 100% French duel against Hugo Gaston in three rounds too.

The other main results

Casper Ruud (Nor/N.4) beat Alex Bolt (Aus) 7-6, 6-4, 6-4
Grigor Dimitrov (Bul/N.10) beat Dusan Lajovic (Serb) 6-3, 6-4, 7-5
Frances Tiafoe (EU/N.29) beat Matteo Arnaldi (Ita) 6-7, 2-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3
Denis Shapovalov (Can) beats Nicolas Jarry (Chi/N.19) 6-1, 7-5, 6-4
Matteo Berrettini (Ita) beat Marton Fucsovics (Hon) 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1

2024-07-01 15:31:00
#Mens #singles #1st #Alcaraz #Medvedev #entry