Carlos Alcaraz proves French Open title credentials with dominant first-round victory

There was no messing around from Carlos Alcaraz in his opening clash at the 2022 French Open as he brushed aside Juan Ignacio Londero to reach the second round.
Having won back-to-back titles at the Barcelona Open and Madrid Open, Alcaraz made his way to Paris as one of the pre-tournament favourites.
And he delivered in stunning fashion on day one on Philippe-Chatrier with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-0 demolition of Londero in one hour and 50 minutes to take his 2022 record to 29-3.
Now watch me whip 🎵#RolandGarros | @alcarazcarlos03 pic.twitter.com/Fh1DvVmG5t
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 22, 2022
The Argentine gave as good as he got in the first set with a solitary break of serve in game 10 earning Alcaraz the set, but the world No 6 upped the ante in the second set with two breaks before running away with the match.
Alcaraz, who was ranked No 97 when he made his Roland Garros debut last year, hit a total of 22 winners while he made 25 unforced errors.
“Juan Ignacio is a good player on clay and it was difficult first round game after a week without playing any matches,” Alcaraz, who opted to skip the Italian Open, said.
“I had to get used to the court at the beginning of the match but I finally found my rhythm.”
The 19-year-old will face fellow Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the second round after the world No 42 defeated Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) in a four-hour encounter.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Jodie Burrage adding to the momentum behind Brits ahead of Wimbledon
Burrage’s journey, not only on grass courts but on tour as a whole, has not been smooth sailing.
-
Wimbledon
Exclusive – Rumours over Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon withdrawal as John Lloyd gives his verdict
US Open champion Raducanu has not played since withdrawing from the Rothesay Open Nottingham with the injury that continues to trouble her.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon: Jack Draper feels ‘ready to be dangerous’ following last four run in Eastbourne
Draper was beaten in the Eastbourne semi-finals by Maxime Cressy on Friday.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu can rise above the pressure and deliver at Wimbledon
The 19-year-old sparked more fears around her fitness by pulling out of a practice session on Friday.
-
News
Eastbourne: Jack Draper misses out on maiden ATP final
Cressy continued his conquering of the British players to edge through 7-6 (5) 6-7 (2) 6-3.
-
News
Ukraine grateful to Wimbledon for its decision to ban Russian players
The Ukrainian teenager says she has been “constantly disappointed” at the reaction of tennis since Russia’s invasion.
-
Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal making the most of every minute on grass
Rafael Nadal is upbeat ahead of Wimbledon.
-
Tennis News
Emma Raducanu’s agent defends teen star’s work schedule
Emma Raducanu’s agent Max Eisenbud insists the young star’s off-court commitments have not impacted her performance at all.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu should limit off-court obligations according to former prodigy
Pam Shriver says she doesn’t expect much from Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray says ‘I still believe I can win Wimbledon’ and working hard to ‘achieve that goal’
Andy Murray believes he can win a third Wimbledon title.