The 22-year-old Spaniard, who is chasing history by attempting to become the first man since Rafael Nadal (2019\u20132020) to successfully defend the French Open men\u2019s singles title, brushed aside Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in just under two hours.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt was really, really solid,\u201d Alcaraz said. \u201cThe first round of a Slam is never easy, and coming here as the defending champion adds some pressure. But I felt good from the start and maintained my level throughout the match.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That level has been elite for some time. Alcaraz has now won 16 of his 17 matches on clay in 2025, including back-to-back ATP Masters 1000 titles in Monte Carlo and Rome.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He returned to World No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings just a week ago, and with Monday\u2019s win, improved his clay-court record to an astounding 28-2 since May 2024\u2014a run that includes last year\u2019s Roland Garros title and a silver medal at the Paris Olympics.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Against Zeppieri, Alcaraz\u2019s all-court brilliance was on full display. He played with freedom, firing pinpoint passing shots and dominating the net, winning 21 of 25 points when he approached.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He saved all three break points he faced and never looked physically hampered, despite recent concerns over a lingering adductor injury that had forced him to miss the Madrid Masters. Notably, he wore no strapping on his leg\u2014a sign that the injury may now be fully behind him.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis is the level I want to bring in every match,\u201d Alcaraz said. \u201cI feel like I\u2019ve found the right rhythm again. Once I start playing, I\u2019m keeping that high level from start to finish. That\u2019s the goal through the whole tournament.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The second seed will now face Hungary\u2019s Fabian Marozsan in the second round. Their head-to-head stands at 1-1, with Marozsan famously defeating Alcaraz in Rome in 2023\u2014a result the Spaniard surely hasn\u2019t forgotten.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis is the level I want to bring in every match,\u201d Alcaraz said. \u201cI feel like I\u2019ve found the right rhythm again. Once I start playing, I\u2019m keeping that high level from start to finish. That\u2019s the goal through the whole tournament.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n