In a heart-stopping opening match at the cinch Championships, world number two Carlos Alcaraz demonstrated both his champion's mentality and concerning vulnerability, battling through apparent arm trouble to secure a hard-fought 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 victory over fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
The young superstar initially appeared in dominant form, racing through the first set with characteristic power and precision. However, concerns emerged during the second set as Alcaraz began visibly struggling with his right arm, repeatedly flexing it between points and showing clear signs of discomfort.
Medical Intervention Turns the Tide
After dropping the second set and falling behind in the decider, the situation looked increasingly worrying for the Wimbledon champion. A crucial medical timeout at 1-3 down in the final set proved to be the turning point of the match.
'The treatment clearly made a significant difference,' Alcaraz later confirmed. 'I was struggling with pain throughout the second and third sets, but after the medical intervention I began to feel much more comfortable and could play more aggressively.'
Remarkable Comeback Secures Quarter-Final Spot
Emerging from the medical break, a transformed Alcaraz reeled off five of the next six games, showcasing the explosive tennis that has made him one of the most exciting players on tour. His victory sets up an intriguing quarter-final clash against either British hope Jack Draper or Argentine opponent Francisco Cerundolo.
This performance raises important questions about Alcaraz's physical condition as Wimbledon approaches, where he'll be defending his coveted title. The 21-year-old acknowledged the concern, stating he would undergo immediate assessment to determine the severity of the issue.
Despite the injury scare, Alcaraz's fighting spirit and ability to win while not at his physical best sends a clear message to his rivals - even when compromised, the Spanish phenomenon remains a formidable force on grass courts.
