Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz launches Wimbledon title defence in style with straight sets win over fellow 21-year-old Mark Lajal

The 21-year-old Spaniard beat Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal 7-6 (3) 7-5 6-2 Lajal took a chunk out of Alcaraz with a break of serve in the opening set  Alcaraz hit straight back and then eased through the gears to claim victory

Carlos Alcaraz got his Wimbledon title defence off to an encouraging start with a straight-sets victory on Centre Court.

The 21-year-old Spaniard, seeded third this year, beat Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal 7-6 (3) 7-5 6-2 in two hours and 22 minutes.

Lajal, also 21 but ranked 266 places lower than Alcaraz, sported dreadlocks pulled back in a pineapple-style ponytail on his Wimbledon debut.

He took a chunk out of the three-time grand slam winner with a break of serve in the opening set.

But Alcaraz, who last month added the French Open to his Wimbledon and US Open titles, hit straight back and then eased through the gears.

Carlos Alcaraz got his Wimbledon title defence off to an encouraging start on Monday

The 21-year-old Spaniard beat Mark Lajal 7-6 (3) 7-5 6-2 in two hours and 22 minutes

Lajal sported dreadlocks pulled back in a pineapple-style ponytail on his Wimbledon debut

'He played a really good match,' said Alcaraz. 'Obviously he surprised me a little bit because I hadn't seen him too much.

'He's young, he's my age and I'm sure I'm going to see him really soon on the tour and play him more often.

'But I'm really happy to get through and get my first win on Centre Court this year.'