Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time Grand Slam champion and one of tennis’ brightest young stars, advanced to the third round of the French Open with a four-set victory over Dutch qualifier Jesper De Jong. However, the 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 win was far from smooth sailing, prompting concerns about his form and fitness as the tournament progresses.
After a dominant opening-round performance against JJ Wolf, Alcaraz entered Wednesday’s match on Court Philippe-Chatrier as the heavy favorite. Yet, the 20-year-old Spaniard struggled to find consistency, losing his first service game, dropping the third set, and facing two breaks in the fourth before regaining control.
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman was quick to analyze Alcaraz’s performance, noting that while it’s commendable to win despite not being at one’s best, the match raised questions about the young star’s fitness and focus.
### **Henman’s Verdict: Concerns Over Alcaraz’s Fitness and Focus**
Speaking to *Eurosport*, Henman remarked, “I think we can come at this match from so many different angles. We often say it’s great when you can still win when you’re not playing your best, but for me, there are still a few question marks that will probably be answered further down the road.”
Henman highlighted three areas of concern: Alcaraz’s physical condition, specifically his forearms; his mental concentration; and his overall attitude during the match. “Probably around his arm, how is he really feeling? And his attitude and concentration. I just felt like he was a little bit distracted,” Henman said.
In Henman’s view, Alcaraz’s erratic performance could have been avoided if he were in top form. “I think in normal circumstances, when he’s 100% fit, healthy, and playing matches, he runs away with that in three straight sets. He definitely got himself in a spot of bother in the third set,” Henman explained.
Henman also praised Jesper De Jong for taking full advantage of the moment. The Dutch qualifier, ranked 160 in the world, showed remarkable resilience and confidence in his second-round appearance. “De Jong deserves a lot of credit because he was loving his opportunity out there, playing on Philippe-Chatrier. He’s come through qualifying and had a good win against [Jack] Draper in the opening round,” Henman added.
Henman concluded that while Alcaraz will be pleased to have advanced, there is significant room for improvement. “For sure, he’ll need to up his level if he’s going to progress.”
### **Alcaraz Admits Struggles but Stresses the Importance of the Win**
Alcaraz himself acknowledged the difficulties he faced during the match, particularly his mental lapses. Speaking to Spanish media after the match, he said, “It has been a match with many ups and downs on a mental level on my part. I played a very bad third set, and in the fourth set, I struggled. The games with my serve have not gone in the best possible way.”
The 20-year-old also admitted that his recent forearm injury, which caused him to miss the Italian Open, continues to play on his mind despite being physically recovered. “The arm is fine, I haven’t noticed anything,” Alcaraz stated. “But the humid conditions and the fact that the ball is getting very big scare me about how the arm would react. I attribute the ups and downs to me.”
Alcaraz’s honesty about his concerns highlights the lingering impact of injuries on even the most elite athletes. While he insists his arm is no longer a problem, the mental scars appear to linger, particularly in challenging conditions like those in Paris.
### **What Lies Ahead for Alcaraz**
With his second-round match behind him, Alcaraz now turns his attention to the third round, where he will face either Sebastian Korda or Kwon Soon-woo. Both potential opponents present unique challenges, and Alcaraz will need to elevate his game to avoid further complications.
Korda, who has previously defeated Alcaraz at the Monte Carlo Masters, could be a particularly tricky opponent. The American’s powerful baseline game and ability to exploit weaknesses could spell trouble for an inconsistent Alcaraz. Meanwhile, Kwon’s speed and agility could test Alcaraz’s patience and tactical adjustments.
Despite his shaky performance, Alcaraz remains one of the favorites to go deep at Roland Garros. His exceptional skill set and ability to bounce back under pressure have been key components of his rapid rise in the sport. However, as Henman and other observers have noted, maintaining focus and consistency will be critical as the competition stiffens.
### **Lessons from the De Jong Match**
Alcaraz’s match against De Jong serves as a reminder that even the best players are vulnerable to lapses in form and concentration. For Alcaraz, the takeaway is clear: physical recovery alone isn’t enough; mental resilience and tactical sharpness are equally vital.
Jesper De Jong’s spirited performance also underscores the depth of talent in the sport. As a qualifier, De Jong embraced the moment and tested one of the world’s best players on one of tennis’ grandest stages.
### **The Bigger Picture**
At just 20 years old, Alcaraz has already achieved extraordinary success, winning two Grand Slam titles and ascending to the upper echelons of the sport. Matches like this one, while not ideal, are part of the learning curve for a young athlete navigating the pressures of top-tier competition.
As Alcaraz continues his campaign at Roland Garros, his ability to adapt and rise to the occasion will determine how far he progresses. The path to greatness is rarely smooth, but Alcaraz has already shown he possesses the talent and determination to overcome challenges.
For now, the tennis world will watch with bated breath as the young star works to refine his game and solidify his status as a future legend. The next few rounds at Roland Garros could provide crucial answers about his fitness, focus, and readiness to contend for another Grand Slam title.