Carlos Alcaraz required treatment during an all-star practice session with Novak Djokovic, which was briefly paused while the Spaniard received attention on a hand issue.

In a repeat of the last two Wimbledon finals, Alcaraz faced Djokovic in a practice set in front of a select group of staff and journalists on Centre Court. As the defending champion, Alcaraz had the honour of practising first on the tournament's main stage and picked Djokovic as his partner. Express Sport was among the publications able to witness the session, in which both players exchanged rallies in good spirits. However, there was a momentary concern over Alcaraz midway through.

The five-time Grand Slam champion paused the set to receive treatment. It seemed that he had suffered a cut on his left hand.

That is unlikely to cause a major problem for Alcaraz, though. He is preparing to play in the first match on Centre Court on Monday.

In an exciting and eagerly anticipated clash, Alcaraz has been drawn to face the popular Italian Fabio Fognini in the first round. Fognini, who is 38, will play in his 15th Wimbledon and potentially his last, having hinted at retirement at the Italian Open in the spring.

Despite receiving treatment, Alcaraz otherwise looked in good physical shape ahead of Wimbledon. As did Djokovic, who has not played since losing the French Open semi-final against Jannik Sinner on June 6. World No. 40 Alexandre Muller is the Serb's first-round opponent.

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Alcaraz could face a Brit in the second round. Qualifier Oliver Tarvet is the world No. 719 and will play 506th-ranked Leandro Riedi in the first round. A match against world No. 2 Alcaraz will await if the 21-year-old continues his fairytale storyline on Monday.

Another victory at Queen's presents a good omen for Alcaraz. The last time he followed up a French Open triumph by winning in London was in 2023, when the 22-year-old proceeded to claim his first Wimbledon crown weeks later.

Alcaraz and Djokovic embraced at the net but they cannot meet in the final again this year as they are in the same side of the draw. Both players trudged off as Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev waited court-side to take their place for a practice session.

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