PARIS — Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame a mid-match stumble to defeat Hungary's Fabian Marozsan in four sets, securing his place in the third round of the French Open. The 21-year-old Spaniard, seeded third, triumphed 6-3, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 in a match that tested his resilience on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Alcaraz, who claimed his maiden Roland Garros title last year, looked dominant in the first two sets before Marozsan mounted a fierce comeback in the third. The Hungarian, ranked 45th in the world, stunned the crowd by breaking Alcaraz twice to force a fourth set. However, the young Spaniard regrouped, showcasing his trademark intensity to close out the match. "I knew it wasn’t going to be easy," Alcaraz said afterward. "Fabian is a great player, and he made me work for every point."
Alcaraz’s Rollercoaster Performance
The match was a tale of two halves for Alcaraz. In the opening sets, his explosive forehand and deft drop shots kept Marozsan on the back foot. The Spaniard’s ability to dictate play from the baseline was evident as he broke his opponent’s serve three times in the first two sets. However, the third set saw an unexpected shift in momentum.
Marozsan, who famously defeated Alcaraz in straight sets at the 2023 Rome Masters, rediscovered that form, hitting 14 winners in the third set alone. Alcaraz, meanwhile, struggled with unforced errors, committing 12 in the set. "I lost focus for a bit," Alcaraz admitted. "But I told myself to stay calm and trust my game."
Key Turning Points
The fourth set proved decisive. Alcaraz broke Marozsan early, but the Hungarian fought back to level at 3-3. A crucial hold in the seventh game, followed by a blistering forehand winner to break again, sealed the match for Alcaraz. His ability to raise his level under pressure was a testament to his growing maturity.
- First Serve Dominance: Alcaraz won 72% of his first-serve points, a key factor in closing out tight games.
- Net Play: The Spaniard won 15 of 18 net approaches, showcasing his versatility.
- Mental Resilience: Despite the third-set lapse, Alcaraz remained composed in critical moments.
Former Finalists Bow Out Early
While Alcaraz advanced, two former French Open finalists saw their campaigns end prematurely. Dominic Thiem, the 2020 champion, fell in straight sets to Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, while 2018 runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas was upset by unseeded German Daniel Altmaier in a five-set thriller.
Thiem, who has struggled with injuries since his Grand Slam triumph, admitted post-match that retirement is now a consideration. "I need to think about my future," the Austrian said. "My body isn’t responding the way it used to."
What’s Next for Alcaraz?
Alcaraz will face American Sebastian Korda in the third round, a rematch of their 2022 Next Gen ATP Finals clash. Korda, who defeated Kwon Soon-woo in straight sets, presents a stern challenge with his aggressive baseline game.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz remains focused on defending his title. "Every match is a battle here," he said. "I’m just taking it one step at a time." With Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal due to injury, the path to the final appears more open, but Alcaraz knows complacency is not an option.
The Spaniard’s ability to adapt mid-match and overcome adversity bodes well for his title defense. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more electrifying performances from the young star.
Meanwhile, the exits of Thiem and Tsitsipas mark the end of an era for two players who have been fixtures in the latter stages of Roland Garros. Their departures underscore the shifting landscape of men’s tennis, where a new generation led by Alcaraz is taking center stage.
In other results, women’s top seed Iga Świątek continued her dominant run with a straight-sets win over Naomi Osaka, while third seed Coco Gauff also advanced comfortably. The tournament promises more high-stakes drama as the second week approaches.
For now, Alcaraz’s journey continues. His ability to navigate challenges, both mental and physical, will be crucial if he hopes to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires once again.