Fifth-seeded Carlos Alcaraz said he was glad with the way he performed versus Tallon Griekspoor as he thought he definitely played much better than in the first round. On Wednesday, Alcaraz saw off Griekspoor in straight sets 6-4 7-6 (0) 6-3 to progress into the Wimbledon third round.
Two days earlier, Alcaraz survived a scare as he needed five sets to beat Jan-Lennard Struff. Alcaraz avoided drama versus Griekspoor as he thought he played a “pretty good match.” “It was a pretty good match for my side,” Alcaraz said, per the ATP website.
“I played really well. I enjoyed playing the [No. 2] Court. Really happy [I] got the win today.” Leading up to Wimbledon, Alcaraz played just two exhibition matches at the Hurlingham Club. Grass is considered as Alcaraz’s weakest surface and the 19-year-old admits he needs more playing time and experience on grass.
“[I] felt more comfortable today than [in] the first round,” Alcaraz said. “But obviously. I need more hours on court, on grass, to feel more comfortable.”
Alcaraz doesn’t feel any pressure
Alcaraz is having a great season and he is now favorite pretty much wherever he goes.
However, he is not putting too much pressure on himself to do well at Wimbledon as he admits there are more experienced players on grass than him. “I don’t feel the pressure because I don’t rank myself as one of the favourites to win this tournament,” Alcaraz said.
“Obviously if I play well, I have [the] level to win the tournament. But there are a lot more experienced players on grass. I don’t feel the pressure.” In the Wimbledon third round, Alcaraz faces German Oscar Otte.
Alcaraz and Otte will be going head-to-head for the first time when they meet at Wimbledon. Alcaraz is the favorite to beat Otte as he is aiming to reach his first second week at The All England Club.
