Peering on from the front row of the Royal Box, Sir Gareth Southgate would have appreciated Carlos Alcaraz’s slog into the second round, at the same time as assuring those around him – including another of the freshly knighted in Sir David Beckham – that it is perfectly fine to perform like dross in the early stages,

Defending champion Alcaraz was erratic and inconsistent against inspired Italian Fognini, but eventually triumphed in an enthralling first match of the tournament on Centre Court

Carlos Alcaraz, locked in a five-set struggle at Centre Court, looked toward his coach Monday and shouted something about how Fabio Fognini — 38 years old, retiring after this season, winless in 2025 — looked as if he could keep playing until he’s 50.