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![Louise Thomas](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Carlos Alcaraz bought his Wimbledon title defence off to an encouraging begin with a straight-sets victory on Centre Court docket.
The 21-year-old Spaniard, seeded third this yr, beat Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal 7-6 (3) 7-5 6-2 in two hours and 22 minutes.
Lajal, additionally 21 however ranked 266 locations decrease than Alcaraz, sported dreadlocks pulled again in a pineapple-style ponytail on his Wimbledon debut.
![Carlos Alcaraz is through to the second round (John Walton/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/07/01/16/4d2c25a95fbf0b21c10ed7b753ab7400Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzE5OTMzMjMy-2.76717080.jpg)
He took a bit out of the three-time grand slam winner with a break of serve within the opening set.
However Alcaraz, who final month added the French Open to his Wimbledon and US Open titles, hit straight again after which eased by means of the gears.
“He performed a extremely good match,” mentioned Alcaraz. “Clearly he shocked me a little bit bit as a result of I hadn’t seen him an excessive amount of.
![Mark Lajal put up a fight against Carlos Alcaraz (John Walton/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/07/01/16/7abf771dfddb10a769b1a9eab451ef19Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzE5OTMzMTc3-2.76716830.jpg)
“He’s younger, he’s my age and I’m certain I’m going to see him actually quickly on the tour and play him extra typically.
“However I’m actually comfortable to get by means of and get my first win on Centre Court docket this yr.”