PARIS — Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was pushed to his limits in a grueling four-set battle against Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur in the French Open third round, admitting afterward, "I didn’t enjoy it." The world No. 3 ultimately prevailed 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-1, 7-5, but not before enduring a stern test from the 29-year-old qualifier.
A Rocky Start for the Defending Champion
Alcaraz, who entered Roland Garros with high expectations after his 2023 triumph, struggled to find his rhythm early. Dzumhur, ranked No. 141, capitalized on the Spaniard’s uncharacteristic errors, forcing a second-set tiebreak. Despite holding a set point at 6-5, Alcaraz faltered, allowing Dzumhur to level the match. "I was too passive in the tiebreak," Alcaraz admitted. "He played aggressively, and I let him dictate."
Alcaraz Regains Control—But Not Without a Fight
The third set saw Alcaraz reassert his dominance, dropping just one game. However, Dzumhur refused to fade, breaking early in the fourth and pushing the match to a tense finale. At 5-5, Alcaraz finally broke through, sealing the victory with a blistering forehand winner. "I had to dig deep," Alcaraz said. "He made me work for every point."
Key Moments That Defined the Match
- Second-set tiebreak: Dzumhur saved a set point before clinching it 8-6.
- Third-set dominance: Alcaraz won 12 of 13 first-serve points.
- Fourth-set resilience: Dzumhur led 3-1 before Alcaraz’s late surge.
Post-Match Reflections: Relief Over Joy
Alcaraz, typically known for his exuberant on-court energy, cut a subdued figure after the match. "It wasn’t my best performance," he conceded. "I’m happy to win, but I know I have to improve." Dzumhur, meanwhile, earned praise for his fearless play, with Alcaraz acknowledging, "He made me suffer—that’s tennis at this level."
What’s Next for Alcaraz?
The Spaniard advances to face 21st seed Félix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round. Despite the scare, Alcaraz remains a favorite, but his path grows tougher. "Every match is a battle," he said. "I’ll recover, adjust, and come back stronger."
Dzumhur, despite the loss, leaves Paris with his head held high. "I proved I can compete with the best," he said. "This gives me confidence for the rest of the season."
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Alcaraz?
While Alcaraz survived, the match exposed vulnerabilities—particularly in clutch moments. With tougher opponents ahead, he’ll need to sharpen his game. "I didn’t enjoy it today," he repeated, "but sometimes you have to win ugly."