Carlos Alcaraz has opened his defence of the Roland Garros in comfortable form, defeating Italian Giulio Zeppieri 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
It was a comfortable match for the world no 2, who will play Hungarian Fabian Marozsan in the next round.
The 22-year-old is looking to become the first man to defend the title since Rafael Nadal in 2019-20.
“Well I think it was really, really solid,” Alcaraz said to TNT Sports after the match. “The first round for every tournament is never easy, coming here as the defending champion. Could be even tougher.
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Italian Giulio Zeppieri 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
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“But I just started pretty well, I kept my good pace during the whole match which is great, tried to be really focused on my game.
“I am just really proud about my start here in Roland Garros.”
“It’s great, my whole atmosphere, my whole team, it’s really great to build a good atmosphere, just to in that day to feel great, enjoy my time here in Roland Gaross.”
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Carlos Alcaraz said he was 'really proud' of his opening match in the French Open
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Alcaraz reclaimed his no 2 ATP ranking last week after his victory in Rome.
Since his last victory in Paris, Alcaraz boasts a 28-2 record, picking up a silver medal in the Paris Olympics along the way.
However, the Spaniard has come under some criticism as of late, releasing a documentary focusing on his personal life and his tendency to party.
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Alcaraz has defended his personal life, though, as he needs to ‘refresh’ his mind after tennis matches.
“Once I step out of the home, once I am at home with my family, I just be myself. Be Carlos Alcaraz as a character, not the player,” he said.
“Sometimes in the documentary I just wanted to show myself and how I am as a person.
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Outside of tennis, Carlos Alcaraz wants to be a 'character, not the player'
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“Different situations in the professional part and personal part [of my life]. As I said many times, after the tournament for me it is great to come back home, feel like I am a normal kid and just try to refresh my mind to the next moments.”
Alcaraz, who is known to enjoy his football, was also keen to warm to the French crowd with a highly-anticipated Champions League final fixture this Saturday, involving Paris Saint-Germain.
“I know [Achraf] Hakimi, the coach. Sorry guys, it’s difficult because I know for inter as well, but I’m going to be with PSG for this match.
Paris Saint-Germain players Desire Doue and Achraf Hakimi were in attendance for Alcaraz’s win.
The world no 2 has started the Roland Garros in fine form, and will be hoping he can maintain his rhythm on his quest to retain the title.
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