Carlos Alcaraz ‘really happy with my level’ after win over world No 97
World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz survived a relatively stiff challenge from Japan’s Taro Daniel to advance to the third round of the French Open.
Alcaraz dropped the second set Daniel, who is ranked No 97 in the world, but powered pack to a 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 win.
“Daniel just played at a great level and I’m really happy with my level. Taro played great, he’s a really tough player and continues to win matches against great players. The conditions with the wind were really, really tough,” said Alcaraz.
“We’re here on Philippe-Chatrier Court, you simply have to adjust your game as best you can. I was really focused in every shot. I played a great level even in the wind.”
“It’s amazing to play here. I’ve always wanted to play well in Paris, at Roland Garros. I feel the support from the very first day. I feel all the energy, it’s tough to describe the crowd.”
Alcaraz, who won last year’s US Open, will play Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the third round of this year’s French Open. Earlier this week, he beat Italian Flavio Cobilli in the first round.
“I felt I couldn’t lose a game at the start of the match. I felt invincible,” Alcaraz said at the time.
Job done 👊🇪🇸#RolandGarros @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/gCS8qXXL33
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 31, 2023
Elsewhere on Wednesday, 2021 losing French Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets to reach the third round, too.
While world No 2 Daniil Medvedev isn’t necessarily a fan of the clay court season, as he suggested after Tuesday’s upset defeat to Thiago Seyboth Wild, Tsitsipas finds value in the challenging surface.
“It’s a great feeling when you step out on a newly made clay court that is clean. All the lines are perfect. It makes for a very pleasing visual experience,” said Tsitsipas.
“But there’s also beauty on when the courts are dirty and messed up and you can see all of the footwork and effort that has been put in and you have a visual of that, of how much work has been put in in order for you to succeed in what you do. It’s a spiritual type of surface.
“I always call it the show, sometimes it can be easy to forget this is meant to be fun, less of work and more a game. We’re not in an office, we’re outside playing tennis and travelling all round the world.”
READ MORE: Cameron Norrie ‘sorry to take another Frenchman out’ at French Open
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”