Wimbledon: Carlos Alcaraz provides glimpse of the future as Spaniard overcomes Lennard Struff

There is no escape from Carlos Alcaraz, the youngest man in the draw who gave those on Court 1 their money’s worth on Monday.

Not since Rafa Nadal circa 2005 has there been this level of excitement about a Spanish prospect, with fifth seed Alcaraz winning a five-set thriller against Jan-Lennard Struff in four hours and 11 minutes.

While those who forked out for a Court 1 ticket may have initially looked at the Centre Court line-up with envy, they were treated to a glimpse into the future in the form of 19-year-old Alcaraz. The world No 7 triumphed 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 with help from 30 aces and some delightful shots, his best of the match being a nonchalant cross-court backhand winner that drew admiration from the crowd.

Talented young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz beat Lennard Struff 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 in a thriller

Struff put up a good fight but ended up being beaten by Alcaraz in an enthralling encounter

Elsewhere at the All England Club, Alcaraz’s compatriot Alejandro Davidovich Fokina surprised seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz, making the Polish player the highest seeded casualty among the men on Monday. 

Hurkacz reached the semi-finals last year, defeating Roger Federer in the last eight, but lost in a fifth-set tie-break to Davidovich Fokina.

Third seed Casper Ruud dispatched Albert Ramos Vinolas in straight sets and said: ‘I haven’t played much on grass this year. I had four days to get ready, so I was a little interested to see how I was going to play. I felt well.’

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina managed to secure victory as he surprised Hubert Hurkacz

Third seed Casper Ruud dispatched Albert Ramos Vinolas in straight sets in the first round

John Isner won in five sets against French qualifier Enzo Couacaud, with the big-serving American once again leading the aces table.

There was a notable withdrawal in the men’s singles on Monday night when Marin Cilic, the 14th seed and 2017 Wimbledon runner-up, pulled out after testing positive for Covid.

‘I have been self-isolating and was hopeful I would be ready, but unfortunately I am still feeling unwell and unable to compete at my best,’ said the world No 17.

‘I am heartbroken to be missing Wimbledon.’

Marin Cilic announced his withdrawal from Wimbledon after testing positive for Covid