A British tennis player ranked 733rd in the world is "staying present in the moment" ahead of his second-round clash with defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz on Wednesday. Oliver Tarvet, 21, from St Albans, Hertfordshire, earned his place at the All England Club after receiving a wild card into qualifying and winning three matches.
The San Diego University student secured a commanding 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory over Swiss qualifier Leandro Riedi on Monday. This triumph has set up a dream encounter with Alcaraz, who struggled past Italy's Fabio Fognini in his opening match.
Coach reveals preparation strategy
Associate head coach Alex Funkhouser, who has worked with Tarvet at the California university for around three years, told PA on Tuesday that the key is maintaining focus. "He's good, he's just staying present in the moment, that's just what's been the important piece for us," Funkhouser said.
The coach emphasised their approach of taking things "day by day and focusing on ourselves rather than everything else". He explained that the chaotic environment makes it "very easy to let ourselves get distracted and focus on the wrong things".
Family support for historic match
Tarvet's parents will be watching Wednesday's match, whilst he has flown his girlfriend out from California to join them. When asked about potential strengths against the Spanish champion, Funkhouser stressed the importance of staying true to their game plan.
"A lot of people are talking to us about what the game plan is against Carlos and to be honest with you there's enough to worry about over on Carlos' side of the court," he told PA. The coach believes focusing on their own performance is what "really matters".
Natural competitor with infectious passion
Funkhouser described Tarvet as "just a natural competitor", highlighting this as his most exciting quality. Whilst acknowledging the player lacks the "flash" of tennis superstars like Roger Federer or Alcaraz, he praised Tarvet's emotional intensity on court.
"Where he gets exciting is his emotion on court, similar to a przez cały czas and Djokovic and those guys who get fired up," the coach explained. He believes this "passion and enthusiasm" will prove "infectious" and help spectators "fall in love with" the British player.
Development from defensive to offensive
The communications major joined San Diego as a "very physical, dynamic player, but also very defensive-minded", according to Funkhouser. The coaching team has worked on boosting the "firepower" of his serve and forehand, alongside developing his "offensive patterns of play".
This development occurred without "leaving who he is as a competitor" and while "using his defence to his advantage". Funkhouser identified "serve and return" as crucial elements for the Alcaraz match, as they provide "favourable positions to start the point".
Prize money restrictions await
By reaching the second round, Tarvet's prize money has increased to a guaranteed £99,000, though much may remain unclaimed. The player plans to return to university in the United States for his final year, where National Collegiate Athletic Association rules require players to maintain amateur status.
Tarvet can claim 10,000 US dollars (approximately £7,300) plus tournament expenses. On Monday, the British debutant declared: "I've come here and not really set myself any expectations. I'm quietly confident that I can win against anyone. Alcaraz isn't an exception to that."
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
