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
-
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.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.