Defending Champion Alcaraz Downs Vukic With Energetic Show
Carlos Alcaraz the Defending champion entertained fans on Court One with a stunning second-round victory over Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic.
The pair played out a thrilling topsy-turvy opening set before the Spaniard took control and wrapped up a 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 6-2 victory.
Alcaraz is attempting to win back-to-back major titles after triumphing at the French Open last month.
“I’m really happy about my performance today,” the 21-year-old said.
“The first set was the key for me to pull out all the nerves. It was really close.”
After coming through a five-setter against Sebastian Ofner in the first round, Vukic appeared fatigued and trailed 5-2 against Alcaraz in the first set.
However, he soon sparked to life, dealing with the three-time major winner’s mix of crafty drop shots and powerful groundstrokes to win successive breaks and force a tie-break.
It looked like he would make another comeback in the tie-break, scrapping his way back from 5-1 down to 5-4.
But Alcaraz stepped up the intensity to take the opener before dominating in the final two sets.
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates
Alcaraz defeated seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in last year’s Wimbledon final
The world number three will face American 29th seed Frances Tiafoe, who he defeated in the semi-finals en route to his US Open win in 2022.
“We played a really good match in the US Open. I know that he is a really talented player, he is even tougher here on grass with his style,” said Alcaraz.
“It’s going to be a really difficult match for me but I’m ready to take that challenge, I’m ready to play a really high level of tennis.”
Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
