Under the glowing lights of Court Philippe-Chatrier, the 2025 French Open delivered a night-session spectacle that had the Parisian crowd on the edge of their seats. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish sensation, battled through a grueling third-round match against Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur, ultimately prevailing 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in a contest that stretched over three hours and 15 minutes. The match, which marked Alcaraz’s first night-session appearance at Roland Garros this year, showcased both his brilliance and vulnerability as he fought off a resilient opponent to secure his spot in the fourth round, where American Ben Shelton awaits.
Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and a four-time Grand Slam champion, entered the match as the overwhelming favorite, fresh off a commanding clay-court season that included Masters 1000 titles in Monte-Carlo and Rome. His first two rounds in Paris—a straight-sets win over Giulio Zeppieri and a four-set victory against Fabian Marozsan—demonstrated his dominance on the terre battue, where he boasts a 30-2 record since May 2024. Against Dzumhur, ranked No. 69, Alcaraz started with blistering intensity, dictating play with his ferocious forehand, some shots clocked above 100 miles per hour. The first set was a masterclass, wrapped up in just 27 minutes, as Dzumhur struggled to counter the Spaniard’s relentless aggression. “I was under control, feeling great, playing great,” Alcaraz reflected, describing the opening sets where he converted early break points to surge ahead 6-1, 6-3.
But the 33-year-old Bosnian, a former world No. 23 with a storied career marked by three ATP titles, refused to fade quietly. Despite a knee injury sustained in his second-round upset over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Dzumhur found a second wind after a medical timeout in the third set. “I actually didn’t know that I was serving for the match, so maybe it was better,” he admitted, revealing the mental freedom that fueled his comeback. His deeper, more aggressive play disrupted Alcaraz’s rhythm, leading to a stunning 6-4 third-set victory that silenced the Chatrier crowd. Dzumhur’s tenacity shone in the fourth, where he broke Alcaraz early to lead 3-1, capitalizing on a rare dip in the Spaniard’s energy. “He started to play deeper and more aggressive,” Alcaraz noted. “My energy went down, and it was hard to push.”
The fourth set became a test of Alcaraz’s championship mettle. Facing break points and a reinvigorated opponent, he missed three chances to level the score at 4-3, as Dzumhur’s spectacular defenses—including a pinpoint backhand winner and a cheeky underhand volley—kept the pressure on. The Bosnian’s resilience, forged through a career that included surviving acute pancreatitis in 2022, earned him a thunderous ovation from the 15,000-strong crowd. Yet, Alcaraz’s resolve proved decisive. Regrouping, he won four consecutive games to serve for the match at 5-4, only to be broken back in a dramatic twist. Undeterred, he broke Dzumhur again, sealing the victory on his second match point with a forehand that kissed the line. “I suffered quite a lot today,” Alcaraz admitted. “That’s why it’s difficult to win Grand Slams because you have to maintain your focus over three or four hours.”
The match highlighted Alcaraz’s ability to adapt under pressure, a quality that has made him the youngest man since Rafael Nadal to post a double-digit win streak at Roland Garros, now standing at 21-3 in Paris. Dzumhur, despite the loss, left the court to a standing ovation, his face red with effort and pride. “We both played great tennis, great rallies, great points,” Alcaraz said, appreciating the electric atmosphere. “We did enjoy all the people watching our match tonight.” His next challenge is a blockbuster fourth-round clash against Ben Shelton, a first-time Roland Garros fourth-rounder, in a matchup Alcaraz leads 2-0 but has never faced on clay. “Playing the defending champion, round of 16, I’m guessing center court, that’s a pretty cool opportunity,” Shelton said, setting the stage for another thrilling encounter.
As Roland Garros 2025 heads into its second week, Alcaraz remains a formidable force, but Dzumhur’s spirited performance serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of Grand Slam tennis. With the men’s final set for June 8, Alcaraz’s quest to become the first man since Nadal to defend the French Open title continues, fueled by resilience and the roar of the Parisian night.
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