Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz of Spain defeated Australian Alexander Vukic in straight sets in the second round on Wednesday, extending his winning run at Wimbledon to nine matches.
Despite leading 5-2 in the opening set, the third seed faced a brief challenge, falling behind 5-6. However, Alcaraz quickly recovered under pressure, forcing a tie-break and securing a 7-6(5), 6-2, 6-2 victory.
“I am really happy about my performance. I think the first set was the key. He served for the set and I broke and after I played a really good tie-break. I played a really high level in the second and third sets, so I am really happy about it,” Alcaraz said after the match as quoted by ATP.
The 21-year-old three-time major champion dominated most of his one-hour, forty-eight-minute victory over Vukic. Utilizing his feathery drop shot to great success, Alcaraz forced Vukic to scramble around the court, particularly in the baseline exchanges under the roof on No. 1 Court.
Reflecting on his next match, Alcaraz said, “We played a brilliant match at the US Open. I know he is a really talented player and it will be tough on here on grass. Good serve, good volley. It will be a difficult match for me but I am ready for that challenge.”
For the third consecutive year, Alcaraz has advanced to the third round at Wimbledon after hitting 40 winners in his triumph. He will face Frances Tiafoe in the third round.
The American Tiafoe secured his place by defeating Croatian Borna Coric 7-6(5), 6-1, 6-3, earning successive victories at a tour-level event for just the third time this season.
