Alcaraz Battles Nerves in First Wimbledon Match
Carlos Alcaraz shared that he felt a bit anxious during his opening match against Fabio Fognini on June 30. Playing on the iconic Centre Court, the two-time Wimbledon champion had to fight hard, pushing the match to a fifth set before he found his stride and secured the victory.
Despite being a favorite after winning the title at this prestigious tournament twice before, Alcaraz faced a tough challenge from the 38-year-old Italian. Fognini played exceptionally well and kept the pressure on, but ultimately, Alcaraz emerged victorious.
After the match, Alcaraz opened up about his feelings, noting that even as an experienced player, he was nervous—almost as if it were his first time stepping onto the court. He explained that his nerves didn’t stem from a lack of preparation but rather from the significance of playing at Wimbledon.
“It felt like it was the first time. Wimbledon is different. Regardless of my recent winning streak or preparation, it affects me,” Alcaraz told reporters. “I was nervous at the start, especially being the first match on Centre Court. It’s a huge privilege. I tried my best to handle those nerves. It was a challenging experience, but a great honor to kick off the tournament there.”
Acknowledging Every Opponent
While many expected Alcaraz to dominate his next match against British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, he remains cautious. Tarvet, currently ranked in the 700s, surprised many by defeating the 28th seed Alexander Blockx in an earlier round.
Alcaraz is keen on respecting every opponent, regardless of their ranking. He emphasized that he must bring his best game each time he steps onto the court.
“If he’s here in the second round, it’s because he deserves to be. He’s playing well, and I can’t assume I’ll win easily,” Alcaraz said. “I have to respect him and prepare for a tough match. I’ve seen him play, and he has a good level. Even if he’s just starting out, I have to treat this match seriously and be ready without focusing on ranks.”
As Alcaraz looks ahead, he aims to elevate his game and build momentum to go further in the tournament.
