In fact, his future doubles partner: Emma Raducanu. The pair’s paths have diverged quite considerably since breakout seasons as teenagers, Raducanu winning a maiden major in Flushing Meadows in 2021, Alcaraz following suit the year after.

Raducanu broke in the first game of the match and from there the result never looked in serious doubt, as she eased to a 6-3 6-3 win over the 17-year-old. The British number one will now face 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova and that should bring back happy memories for Raducanu.

EMMA RADUCANU survived the heat of Wimbledon’s hottest opening day – but almost got wiped out by a stray champagne cork. Mimi Xu, a South Wales schoolgirl, was sent back to the classroom as she