Alcaraz Off to a Flying Start as Roland-Garros Title Defence Begins

Carlos Alcaraz surprised by his own level in French Open first round win over Zeppieri

The clay-court season has a way of revealing who’s really ready to embrace the grind, the grit, and the grandeur of Roland-Garros. And on Monday afternoon in Paris, Carlos Alcaraz gave a resounding reminder of why he’s among the frontrunners to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires once again.

The defending champion breezed into the second round with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri, needing just one hour and 56 minutes to dispatch the world No. 141. Yet in the aftermath, it wasn’t triumph but surprise that coloured the 22-year-old’s mood.

“I expected a worse level for me, honestly,” Alcaraz admitted with a grin after his win. “The first round is always tricky — you’re trying to find your rhythm, get used to the court and the crowd. But today, everything felt really good. I’m just proud of how I played.”

Calm and Confident: Alcaraz Settles Early Nerves in Paris

French Open: Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz get off to good starts in their title defenses

If Alcaraz was expecting a few bumps on his return to the terre battue of Court Philippe-Chatrier, they never really materialised. From the first ball, the Spaniard looked in control, dominating baseline rallies and showing off his signature variety — whipping forehands, feathering drop shots, and gliding on the clay like a man born to the surface.

Zeppieri, a left-hander with a decent forehand and nothing to lose, did his best to hang in the early exchanges. But Alcaraz never let him settle. The break came midway through the first set, and from there, the world No. 2 rarely took his foot off the gas.

There was a slight wobble at the start of the second — a few rushed points, a couple of unforced errors — but once Alcaraz found his first serve again, the rhythm returned. The third set was the most one-sided of all, as he raced to the finish line with the authority of a player who’s been here, done that, and wants to do it again.

Finding His Feet After a Rocky Start to 2025

For a player tipped to dominate the sport for the next decade, 2025 hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Alcaraz admitted as much when he reflected on the start of his season, which included a disappointing first-round exit to David Goffin in Miami and only one title — at the indoor Rotterdam Open — on hard courts.

“We all know the rollercoaster that this year has been,” he said. “Some really great results, and then some surprising losses. But I think I’ve found a good path again.”

That path seems to be winding its way confidently through the clay season. After a slow start, Alcaraz caught fire in Europe — lifting the trophy in Monte Carlo, winning Rome, and reaching the final in Barcelona, where only Holger Rune had the answers.

Since May last year, he’s won 27 of his 29 matches on clay. That’s the kind of record that doesn’t just speak of talent — it screams of dominance.

History on His Mind: Following in Nadal’s Footsteps

Of course, every young Spanish clay-court star will forever be measured against Rafael Nadal. And Alcaraz, like it or not, knows the weight of those expectations. But he doesn’t shy away from them.

The Murcian is aiming to become the first man since Nadal in 2020 to successfully defend the French Open title — no easy feat, even for someone of his skillset. Yet if the pressure is mounting, you wouldn’t know it from his demeanour.

“I try not to think too far ahead,” he said. “This is a tournament where you have to take it match by match. Every opponent here is dangerous, and nothing comes easy on this surface.”

That measured approach is clearly working. With a 19-3 record at Roland-Garros and the kind of all-court game that gives him options in every rally, Alcaraz is increasingly looking like the man to beat.

Up Next: Marozsan Awaits

If there’s a name that brings up uncomfortable memories for Alcaraz, it might be that of Fabian Marozsan. The Hungarian stunned the Spaniard in Rome last year in what remains one of the biggest upsets of Alcaraz’s career. Now, the two will meet again — this time on the biggest clay-court stage of all.

Asked about the rematch, Alcaraz managed a smile. “I remember that match well, of course. It was tough. But every day is different, and I’m a different player now.”

That much seems true. Alcaraz of 2025 looks more measured, more composed, and perhaps more dangerous because of it. He still has the fire and flair that made him a teenage sensation, but there’s now a patience to his play, a sense that he knows when to pull the trigger and when to build the point.

Still Just 22 — But Playing Like a Veteran

It’s easy to forget just how young Alcaraz still is. At 22, he already owns four Grand Slam titles, a No.1 ranking, and a resume most players would envy after a full career. But what makes him special is that he’s still learning, still growing.

“I feel more comfortable now in how I approach matches,” he said. “I don’t feel like I need to play my best on every single point. I trust that if I stick to my game, the chances will come.”

That kind of perspective is rare in a player so young. But it’s also what makes him such a threat — especially in best-of-five matches on clay, where mental strength and stamina are just as important as shotmaking.

The Road Ahead

With Rafael Nadal’s emotional return already making headlines and Novak Djokovic still in the mix, this year’s French Open is far from a one-horse race. But if Alcaraz can continue to serve and strike like he did against Zeppieri, there’s every chance he’ll be around for the final weekend.

For now, though, he’s just enjoying the ride — and taking nothing for granted.

“It’s just the first round,” he said. “But it’s always a good feeling to start this way. The goal is to keep improving every match, and hopefully to be here at the end.”

On Monday’s evidence, few would bet against him.