World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz started his run on the right foot at Wimbledon on Tuesday as rain continued to batter south-west London.
Alcaraz defeated Frenchman Jérémy Chardy 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 in the first round on center court. Only two courts have retractable roofs at Wimbledon: Center Court and Number 1 Court.
The Spaniard will have an appointment with another French tennis player in the second round, since he must face the winner of the duel between compatriots Alexandre Muller and Arthur Rinderknech.
“Obviously, without the roof, and under the sun, it’s preferable. And I think it’s the same for everyone, said Alcaraz in an interview on the court after his victory. Whether there is a roof or not, I have to play to my full potential. »
It was in good spirits that Alcaraz won their first major title, at the United States Open last year. He made the final at the French Open last month, but Serbian Novak Djokovic prevailed and won his 23rd career Grand Slam title.
Alcaraz had reached the second round at Wimbledon in 2021, when he was only a guest player. He reached the fourth round last year, and began his All England Club journey this season as the defending Queen’s Club grass-court tournament champion.
Chardy, 36, was playing Wimbledon for the 14th time in his career, and he still plans to retire at the end of this year’s tournament.
Alcaraz showed off all her talent in front of Kate, the Princess of Wales, who went to Wimbledon on Tuesday. She was accompanied for the occasion by the Swiss Roger Federer, who received a standing ovation of about 90 seconds from the spectators present on the spot as he settled into the royal box. His legacy was celebrated with a brief ceremony highlighting his career and eight Wimbledon title wins — a record.
Showers interrupted the game again on the occasion of the second day of the Grand Slam tournament which takes place on the grass.
Play resumed at most pitches shortly after 11 a.m. (local time) at the All England Club, but the drop cloths were quickly released as rain returned about an hour later.
Elena Rybakina opened hostilities on center court on Tuesday against American Shelby Rogers — this beach is usually reserved for the defending tournament champion. Rybakina, who withdrew from the Eastbourne tournament last week due to a virus, regained her composure on serve after the first set to claim a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 win over Rogers .
“I feel a lot better,” she admitted on the court. I was a bit unlucky. I had to work hard to regain a good physical condition, but now it’s better. I hope this victory will allow me to build my confidence for my next match. »
Rybakina also had to withdraw from the French Open due to illness, and added that she was “very nervous” at the start of Tuesday’s match.
Meanwhile, sixth-seeded Ons Jabeur, who lost to Rybakina in the London final last year, ousted Magdalena Frech 6-3, 6-3.