In a dazzling display of skill and confidence, Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning French Open champion, stormed into the second round of the 2025 Roland Garros tournament with a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri. The 22-year-old Spaniard, ranked world number two, showcased the form that has made him the standout player on clay this season, kicking off his title defense with a performance that sent a clear message to his rivals. As the tennis world watches, Alcaraz’s quest to become the first man since Rafael Nadal in 2020 to retain the Roland Garros crown is off to a scintillating start.
The match, played on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Alcaraz, fresh off clay-court titles in Monte Carlo and Rome, was unyielding, winning all 14 of his service games and fending off the three break points he faced. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Zeppieri, ranked 310th, showed flashes of resilience, but Alcaraz’s relentless pace and precision proved too much. The Spaniard’s 27 forehand winners overwhelmed his opponent, a testament to his recovery from a forearm injury that had limited his practice time in the lead-up to the tournament. “It was really, really solid,” Alcaraz said post-match, radiating pride in his performance. “I expected a worse level for me, honestly. The first round for every tournament is never easy to adapt your game to the conditions and get used to it. I’m just really proud about it.”
Alcaraz’s journey to this moment has been one of resilience and growth. After a challenging spring marked by a hamstring injury that forced him to withdraw from the Madrid Open, he roared back with a runner-up finish in Barcelona and a dominant run in Rome, where he defeated his chief rival, Jannik Sinner, in the final. That victory not only secured his second Masters 1000 title of the clay season but also underscored his mental fortitude. “Before I was totally nervous, couldn’t handle the nerves as better as I’m doing right now,” Alcaraz reflected, highlighting the maturity that has defined his 2025 campaign. His ability to focus on the joy of the game rather than external pressures has elevated him to a new level of consistency.
The significance of Alcaraz’s performance extends beyond the scoreline. As the first French Open since Rafael Nadal’s retirement, the tournament marks a symbolic passing of the torch. Alcaraz, who idolized Nadal growing up, is embracing the challenge of filling his compatriot’s shoes. His former coach, Carlos Moyá, praised his “killer instinct,” likening it to Nadal’s relentless mentality. “He has all the shots to do well on clay,” Moyá noted, emphasizing Alcaraz’s natural affinity for the surface. With 28 wins in his last 30 clay-court matches, including a perfect 7-0 at Roland Garros in 2024, Alcaraz is the player to beat.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz faces Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in the second round, with potential matchups against big-serving American Ben Shelton or former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas looming in the fourth round. A projected quarterfinal clash with two-time Roland Garros runner-up Casper Ruud adds intrigue, though Alcaraz holds a 4-1 head-to-head edge. The ultimate test could come in a blockbuster final against top seed Jannik Sinner, whom Alcaraz warned is “going to be a really dangerous player in Paris.” Sinner, fresh off a three-month doping suspension, reached the Rome final and remains a formidable threat.
Alcaraz’s path is not without challenges. The memory of his loss to Novak Djokovic in the Paris Olympics gold medal match, played on these same courts, lingers. Yet, his recent performances suggest he’s overcome the doubts that plagued him earlier this year. “I’m focusing in totally a different way, which is just being happy, being proud about the moments that I’m living,” he said, a mindset that could propel him deep into the tournament. As Roland Garros unfolds, all eyes are on Alcaraz to see if he can harness his explosive talent and unyielding spirit to etch his name alongside Spanish legends once more.
# Carlos Alcaraz Launches French Open Title Defense with Commanding Victory
## Match Recap
Carlos Alcaraz, the defending French Open champion, opened his 2025 Roland Garros campaign with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. The world number two was dominant, winning all 14 service games and saving three break points in a match that showcased his clay-court prowess.
## Performance Highlights
Alcaraz’s 27 forehand winners overwhelmed Zeppieri, despite the Spaniard’s limited practice due to a prior forearm injury. His 28-2 record on clay since May 2024, including titles in Monte Carlo and Rome, underscores his status as the player to beat. The victory marked his eighth consecutive win at Roland Garros.
## Quotes
– “It was really, really solid. I expected a worse level for me, honestly. The first round for every tournament is never easy to adapt your game to the conditions and get used to it.” — Carlos Alcaraz
– “Before I was totally nervous, couldn’t handle the nerves as better as I’m doing right now. I’m focusing in totally a different way, which is just being happy, being proud about the moments that I’m living.” — Alcaraz
– “He has all the shots to do well on clay.” — Carlos Moyá, Alcaraz’s former coach
– “He’s going to be a really dangerous player in Paris.” — Alcaraz on Jannik Sinner
## Upcoming Challenges
Alcaraz faces Fabian Marozsan in the second round, with potential fourth-round matchups against Ben Shelton or Stefanos Tsitsipas. A quarterfinal against Casper Ruud looms, while a final against Jannik Sinner could cap the tournament. The match is scheduled for May 28 or 29, 2025.
## Context
As the first French Open since Rafael Nadal’s retirement, Alcaraz carries the mantle of Spanish tennis. His 2024 title, won against Alexander Zverev, made him the youngest man to claim majors on all three surfaces. With a 31-2 record in 2025 clay matches, Alcaraz’s blend of power, speed, and newfound maturity makes him the favorite to repeat.
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