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Alcaraz opens title defence with battling win over Lajal

Related Topics: Carlos Alcaraz, Mark Lajal

Carlos Alcaraz opened his Wimbledon title defence with a hard-fought victory over Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal.

The Spaniard won 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 6-2 to begin proceedings on Centre Court.

Alcaraz is attempting to win back-to-back major titles after triumphing at the French Open last month.

"Stepping on this court, it is the most beautiful court I have played on," said the 21-year-old. "I still get nerves when I play here.

"I practised for 45 minutes on Thursday and it was the first time I was nervous on practice because I was playing on this court.