Roger that? Carlos Alcaraz lives up to billing
On the second day of Wimbledon, Carlos Alcaraz has become the biggest threat to Novak Djokovic’s attempt to secure a record-equalling eighth men’s title at the grasscourt Grand Slam. The top-seeded Spaniard beat Jeremy Chardy 6-0 6-2 7-5 on No. 1 Court, despite the match being played under the roof due to rain. Alcaraz expressed his jealousy of Roger Federer, who was present in the crowd, and his desire for the eight-time champion to watch one of his matches.
Meanwhile, defending champion Elena Rybakina recovered from a set down to defeat American Shelby Rogers 4-6 6-1 6-2 on Centre Court. Last year’s runner-up Ons Jabeur began her quest for a maiden Grand Slam title with a 6-3 6-3 victory over Poland’s Magdalena Frech.
The rain affected play on the outside courts, forcing several more matches to be postponed. Andy Murray, who was knighted earlier this year, beat Ryan Peniston 6-3 6-0 6-1 on Centre Court. Roger Federer was celebrated during a brief ceremony for his career and his men’s-record eight singles championships at Wimbledon, where he was seated in the Royal Box next to Princess Kate.
