As the 2025 French Open unfolds at Roland Garros, all eyes are on Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old defending champion, whose schedule has sparked lively debates among tennis fans and analysts alike. The world No. 2, fresh off a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri in the first round, is aiming to become the first man since Rafael Nadal in 2020 to defend the Roland Garros title. Alcaraz’s path, however, is far from straightforward, with a potential gauntlet of formidable opponents and a strategic preference for day matches fueling discussions about his chances of repeating as champion. With his recent clay-court dominance and a tweaked playing style, the Spaniard’s journey through Paris promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
Alcaraz’s opening-round performance on May 26, 2025, set the tone for his title defense. Facing Zeppieri on Court Suzanne Lenglen, he delivered a “really solid” display, as he described it, saving all three break points and maintaining a high level throughout the match. “The first round of the tournament is never easy, coming here as the defending champion could be even tougher,” Alcaraz said post-match. “I’m just really proud of my start here at Roland Garros, where I was really excited to play my first match this year.” His 28-2 clay-court record since May 2024, bolstered by titles in Monte Carlo and Rome—where he defeated world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a gripping final—has positioned him as a favorite. Yet, his second-round clash against Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan, scheduled for May 28 on the prestigious Court Philippe Chatrier, has ignited speculation about whether his momentum will hold.
The scheduling of Alcaraz’s matches has become a talking point, particularly his vocal preference for day sessions over night matches. During a pre-tournament press conference, he explained that the daytime conditions at Roland Garros suit his game, allowing him to adapt more comfortably to the clay’s unique demands. “I expected a worse level for me, honestly,” he admitted after his first-round win, emphasizing the challenge of adjusting to the surface in high-stakes opening matches. His request for day sessions, granted for his second-round match starting around 2:00 p.m. local time, has sparked debate about whether this gives him an edge over opponents who thrive under the cooler, slower night conditions. Fans on social media have buzzed about this strategic choice, with some arguing it reflects Alcaraz’s confidence in controlling his environment, while others see it as a risky move given the unpredictable Parisian weather.
Alcaraz’s draw has further fueled discussions about his path to the final. After Marozsan, he could face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard or Zizou Bergs in the third round, followed by a potential fourth-round showdown with either Stefanos Tsitsipas, a former Roland Garros finalist, or American Ben Shelton, who battled through a five-set thriller in his opener. A quarterfinal clash with two-time finalist Casper Ruud looms large, with Ruud’s topspin-heavy game posing a significant threat on clay. “Right now, I think I found a really good path again,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on his season, which included a runner-up finish in Barcelona and a loss to David Goffin in Miami. His ability to maintain a high level, as he did in Rome, will be tested if he faces top seed Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic in a potential final—players he avoided in earlier rounds due to his No. 2 seeding.
Alcaraz’s preparation has also drawn attention. Before his opener, he trained with his eyes closed to sharpen his return instincts, a quirky method that underscores his commitment to evolving his game. Guided by coaches Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samuel López, he has refined his serve, making it more fluid and effective, which has translated into three titles in 2025. “I’ve worked really, really hard to get here,” he told Roland Garros Magazine, reflecting on his journey from watching Spanish greats like Nadal as a child to becoming a champion himself. With a 31-5 ATP record this season and a perfect 6-0 head-to-head against Tsitsipas, Alcaraz’s confidence is palpable, but his past inconsistencies, like early exits in Masters 1000 events, keep the discussion alive about whether he can sustain his form through two grueling weeks.
The tennis world is abuzz with anticipation, not just for Alcaraz’s matches but for the potential blockbuster final against Sinner, who leads the top half of the draw. Their rivalry, highlighted by Alcaraz’s Rome victory, has fans dreaming of a first Grand Slam final showdown between the two young stars. As Alcaraz navigates his challenging draw and daytime preferences, his blend of flair, resilience, and tactical tweaks makes his Roland Garros campaign a focal point of intrigue and excitement.
# Carlos Alcaraz’s Roland Garros 2025 Journey Sparks Debate
## A Strong Start
Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old defending French Open champion, kicked off his 2025 campaign with a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Giulio Zeppieri on May 26. “It was really, really solid,” he said, noting the challenge of first-round matches as the defending champion. His 28-2 clay-court record since May 2024, including titles in Monte Carlo and Rome, underscores his dominance on the surface.
## Daytime Preference
Alcaraz’s request for day matches has sparked discussion. “I expected a worse level for me, honestly,” he admitted after his opener, highlighting the difficulty of adapting to clay. His second-round match against Fabian Marozsan on May 28, set for 2:00 p.m. on Court Philippe Chatrier, aligns with his preference for daytime conditions, prompting debates about whether this gives him a strategic edge.
## Challenging Draw
Alcaraz’s path includes potential clashes with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard or Zizou Bergs in the third round, Stefanos Tsitsipas or Ben Shelton in the fourth, and Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals. A final against Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic looms as a dream matchup. Fans on social media speculate about his ability to navigate this gauntlet, given his 31-5 ATP record and past inconsistencies.
## Tactical Evolution
Guided by coaches Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samuel López, Alcaraz has refined his serve and trained uniquely, even practicing returns with his eyes closed. “I’ve worked really, really hard to get here,” he said, reflecting on his growth. His 6-0 head-to-head against Tsitsipas and recent win over Sinner in Rome fuel optimism, but his early Masters 1000 exits keep the conversation alive.
## Rivalry Watch
The prospect of an Alcaraz-Sinner final has fans buzzing, especially after Alcaraz’s Rome triumph. As he aims to emulate Rafael Nadal’s 2019-20 title defense, Alcaraz’s schedule, preparation, and mental fortitude make his Roland Garros journey a captivating storyline.
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