One of the most beautiful symphonies in sport was heard again on Centre Court just before 4pm on Monday as Carlos Alcaraz uncocked his elbow and swung for the stars. First came the crisp snap of racket strings crushing the Slazenger ball. Then, as it clapped against the wall, came the gasps, followed by the applause. Through all the four movements, Alcaraz’s opponent, Mark Lajal, did not twitch.
It was the most powerful of the Spaniard’s 25 forehand winners during his 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-2 victory, but it also carried a wider significance. When Alcaraz won the French Open last month, he did so wearing an arm sleeve to protect his injured elbow. Even in victory there were concerns over whether he was applying full power, and revolutions, into his shots. But here the sleeve was off, along with the shackles.
