The day belonged to Oliver Tarvet, who lived a childhood dream in the heart of Wimbledon.
Carlos Alcaraz answered a 21-year-old qualifier’s dream with another masterclass on Centre Court, collecting point after point amid all the ‘Ollie, Ollie, Ollie!’ screams.
Alcaraz was in total control against homegrown talent TarvetGettyAlcaraz, back-to-back Wimbledon champ and current No. 2 seed, downed Tarvet in straight sets (6-1, 6-4, 6-4) in a second-round match that lasted two hours and 16 minutes.
Hertfordshire-born Tarvet, ranked No.733 in the world, was a must-see on a day when Thomas Tuchel, Tom Daley, John Cena, Dave Grohl and Olivia Rodrigo were spotted in the Royal Box in south west London.
With Tarvet’s last name yelled over and over — often preceded with rhythmic clapping or guttural shouts — the 22-year-old Alcaraz responded like a pro’s pro on a buzzing Wednesday.
He edged Tarvet in tough games, pocketed sets, remained calm within the local pride, and only celebrated with his trademark fist pump.
“I’m really grateful for the support that I’m receiving here,” Alcaraz said on the court after his second-round victory.
‘My Way’ captures the duality of Alcaraz, and the recent Netflix documentary revealed a rising star who is still figuring out how great he can become as the sport moves on from a defining Big Three of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Seeing ‘O. Tarvet GBR v C. Alcaraz ESP (2)’ displayed on a video board inside Centre Court was a life win for the University of San Diego athlete.
“As a kid, it’s what you dream of,” said Tarvet, who spent his first-round press conference trying to figure out how he was going to keep $135,000 in prize money.
On an overcast but refreshingly cool Wednesday, the sun appeared just before the world’s Nos. 2 and 733 shared the same iconic court.
Alcaraz shook hands, smiled, sprinted backward and grabbed a fresh tennis ball.
Tarvet acknowledged everything he was facing by hitting the net on several of his practice shots.
x@sporttvportugalEngland men’s manager Thomas Tuchel was ready for the action[/caption] Tarvet heard his name called hundreds of times on Centre Court Alcaraz is aiming for this third consecutive Wimbledon men’s titleThen ‘Tarvs,’ who also played cricket and football as a kid, reminded Wimbledon why he was suddenly in the middle of a tournament that dates back to 1877.
When a slice fell short, an ace followed.
When Alcaraz expertly controlled the grass like a champ, Tarvet threatened to pull within 3-2 in the first set.
The second set was tighter, and it was 2-2 in the third with Tarvet serving at 40-30.
But Alcaraz kept nailing winners, and he always had an answer.
While big numbers say that Djokovic is the greatest player of all time, he’s often been polarising and sometimes has embraced his villain role.
Bright Lights
Carlos Alcaraz when he learned he was facing Oliver Tarvet in the second round
Alcaraz: “I think it’s impressive. If he’s there, it’s because he deserves to be there. I’ve watched a little bit before my (first-round) match because he was playing before mine. I saw great tennis on grass, to be honest. I have to be ready. … As I say, if he’s in the second round, (it’s) because he deserves it. So I will try to show my best tennis.”
Alcaraz won over SW19 attendees on Monday by going out of his way to reach out to a fan in the sweltering heat.
“I think we have to deal with it in the best way possible,” said Alcaraz, discussing his widely praised interaction with an ill fan.
“Obviously for the fan, and even here in London, they are not used to having this weather. Sitting five hours in the stands without moving, the sun hitting, I think could be really difficult to deal with for the spectators.”
While it was Alcaraz’s time on Wednesday to face a young British qualifier unknown to the rest of the world, eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer perfected the art of winning over locals with humility and charm almost a decade ago.
In 2016, Federer stopped British qualifier Marcus Willis in the second round with a straight-sets victory, finishing off a then-world No.772 who overcame six qualifying rounds just to make the most famous tennis tournament on the planet.
GettyRoger Federer chatted with royalty in 2023[/caption] AFPFederer got the best of Andy Murray in 2012[/caption]“Marcus brought some unbelievable energy to the court with his play, the fans and his enthusiasm as well,” Federer said.
Tarvet tried to hang with Alcaraz on Wednesday, and his heart couldn’t be questioned.
But the champ was the champ, and the qualifier from college was knocked out.
When Alcaraz won another match on Centre Court, he hugged Tarvet at the net, then calmly kept moving forward.
Closer to the Big Three and a third Wimbledon trophy.
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