King Federer back in town as Alcaraz and Rybakina shine at Wimbledon

LONDON: Wimbledon king Roger Federer returned to light up a rain-drenched second day at the grasscourt championships as the new prince of the hallowed lawns Carlos Alcaraz began his campaign to seize the crown on Tuesday (Jul 4).

Retired Swiss great Federer ditched his racket for a classy cream blazer and a comfy seat as the eight-time Wimbledon champion graced the Royal Box and received possibly the longest ovation of his illustrious career.

On a day when 69 first round matches were rained off, the 41-year-old stayed nice and dry under the closed Centre Court roof to watch defending women's champion Elena Rybakina come from a set down to beat Shelby Rogers 4-6 6-1 6-2.

He then saw British national treasure Andy Murray begin his bid for an unlikely third Wimbledon title by dispatching home wildcard Ryan Peniston for the loss of four games.

But Federer missed Spanish phenomenon Alcaraz, the 20-year-old who has taken the tennis world by storm.

While the Swiss was milking the applause, Alcaraz was on Court One pounding winners past experienced Frenchman Jeremy Chardy in a 6-0 6-2 7-5 victory that illustrated why he has surged to the top of the rankings and is seeded number one.

Alcaraz, playing his third Wimbledon, bagged the first set in 20 minutes and the second in not much more time before being pushed harder by the 36-year-old Chardy who is now retiring but can at least say he faced a player tipped for future domination.

The last point of Chardy's professional career was an Alcaraz ace that whistled past his outstretched racket.

"I'm really happy with the level that I played, with the performance today," Alcaraz told reporters, although he was not so happy that Federer missed his match.

"After the match I was on the phone