LONDON — For one game at least, it looked like Carlos Alcaraz could be in for another surprisingly tough encounter on Wimbledon's Centre Court.
But after saving three break points in his opening service game against 733rd-ranked Ollie Tarvet, things got a bit more comfortable for the defending champion, who saw out a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 second-round win over the unheralded collegiate player from Britain.
While he had to face another eight break points along the way — saving all but two — it was a considerably smoother win than his 4½ hour, five-set victory over Fabio Fognini in the opening round.
Still, Alcaraz couldn't help but be impressed with the University of San Diego student playing in his first Grand Slam tournament.
''I just love his game to be honest,'' Alcaraz said. ''I knew at the beginning that I had to be really focused and try to play my best tennis.''
For Tarvet, it ends a memorable first Grand Slam experience.
He got into the tournament through qualifying and then beat Leandro Riedi of Switzerland in the first round to earn a chance to walk out on Centre Court alongside the defending champion.
''I think I did a pretty good job of kind of enjoying the moment and trying to also play some good tennis at the same time,'' Tarvet said. ''I've played against some really good players before, but not quite the level of Alcaraz.''
