If Carlos Alcaraz needed a reminder of the spectacular trajectory of his career so far, it came as he faced Aleksandar Vukic in the second round at The Championships 2024.

At the age of 17 in 2020, Alcaraz had played – and lost – his only other match against Vukic in the Roland-Garros qualifying tournament. Four years on, the Spaniard had not only lifted a trio of Grand Slam trophies but took to the All England Club’s No.1 Court as the defending men’s champion.

And after an hour and 48 minutes of steadily improving tennis, Alcaraz sent a powerful reminder of his elevated status with a 7-6(5), 6-2, 6-2 victory – although not without an early test from his determined Australian opponent.

Ahead of their latest contest, Vukic had spoken of the aura Alcaraz had created when they practised together last year in Beijing. “It wasn't necessary him playing, obviously he’s a very good tennis player, but it was more his fame,” the 28-year-old said.

“I’m just there on court and no one knows who I am, then he comes on and everyone’s going insane. It was like ‘this guy is living in another world’.”

And yet Vukic, at world No.69, was far from overawed as he faced No.3 Alcaraz in one of the biggest occasions of his career so far.

With a pair of former world No.1s watching on – Wimbledon 2002 champion Lleyton Hewitt in Vukic’s corner and Juan Carlos Ferrero courtside to coach Alcaraz – each player initially evoked memories of their famous mentors as they combined power with touch and a healthy measure of fighting spirit in a fluctuating first set.

Helped by some breathtaking winners and potent serving, Alcaraz struck early as he claimed the first service break to take a 4-2 lead. Yet Vukic had also gained confidence from his semi-final run at Eastbourne last week; extending the rallies with some bold attacking tennis, the Australian won four games straight to earn the chance to serve for the first set.

As is so often the case with Grand Slam champions, the Spaniard lifted his intensity when most required. Forcing Vukic into error at just the right moments, he claimed another critical break of serve to force a tie-break. While Vukic kept fighting, Alcaraz ultimately dominated to secure the opening set in 52 minutes.

“It was difficult for me to close the set. I knew that therefore he was going to be the same,” Alcaraz assessed. “In those situations, you have to increase your level … try to be aggressive, (draw on) your style.”

Having discovered his next gear, Alcaraz seized all the momentum.

As Vukic worked hard on his own serve, the No.3 seed was practically perfect. Breaking the Australian’s serve twice in each of the next two sets, Alcaraz surrendered only five points on his own serve for the remainder of the match.

Alcaraz will aim to build on his streak of nine straight match wins at Wimbledon when he faces Frances Tiafoe in the third round. He memorably claimed a thrilling five-set semi-final victory over the American at the US Open two years ago and went on to lift the first Grand Slam trophy of his career.

Told that Tiafoe was eagerly anticipating the chance to add another chapter to their Slam history, Alcaraz showed the mindset that’s shaped his remarkable rise.

“I mean, I have a really good relationship with a lot of players behind the scenes. But once you step on the court, they're not friends,” he said. “You have to be in your own, focus on yourself, and try to beat him. That's how tennis works. That's it.

“Frances [is] a great player, a great person as well … It's going to be a really fun match to play, to watch. I'll try to put my good weapons on the match and try to beat him.”

As he faces that challenge, Alcaraz can draw on the composure that shaped his latest win over Vukic. “If you can stay positive, you can stay calm in the toughest situations that probably the match can reach you, you're going to win,” he commented.

“It's a battle against the opponent. If you can stay calmer than the other, than the opponent, you are going to be better.”