Peering on from the front row of the Royal Box, Sir Gareth Southgate would have appreciated Carlos Alcaraz’s slog into 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,

Holder Carlos Alcaraz blew hot and cold on a blazing Monday at Wimbledon but the Spaniard survived a massive scare to beat dangerous Italian Fabio Fognini 7-5 6-7(5) 7-5 2-6 6-1 and reach the second round.

Alcaraz hopes to become the first player on the men's tour since Bjorn Borg to complete the French Open-Wimbledon double in consecutive years. Alcaraz is only the third defending Wimbledon champion all-time to be taken to five sets in the first round of the following year's Grand Slam.