Carlos Alcaraz, the third seed, shone and demonstrated steely resolution in his most impressive match at the French Open this year, defeating American Sebastian Korda 6-4 7-6(5) 6-3 to go to the fourth round of Roland Garros on Friday.
Still wearing a compression sleeve due to a previous forearm ailment, Alcaraz turned on a brilliant performance in a repeat of the duo’s 2022 meeting to firmly establish himself as the favourite to win the title in Paris and a third major.
“I feel terrific and great playing on this court. “Obviously, I have wonderful memories here,” Alcaraz remarked.
I have previously played some excellent matches. Every match I play improves my mood. The crowd was incredible. Every day, it gets better. I’m looking forward to playing again in Paris during the second week. “Hopefully, I’ll keep going.”
The feisty Alcaraz broke Korda in a close first game, but the world number three allowed his 27th-seeded opponent to bounce back immediately, drawing him into a fight on a frigid evening on Court Philippe Chatrier.
He revved up his backhand to set up a break for a 5-4 lead, pouncing when Korda netted a flying volley after charging forward, and the 21-year-old Spaniard sealed the first set by holding service to love in the next game.
He revved up his backhand to set up the opportunity to break for a 5-4 lead, pouncing when Korda netted a flying volley after charging forward, and the 21-year-old Spaniard won the first set by holding serve to love in the following game.
Korda, who arrived in Paris expecting to repeat his father Petr’s 1992 Roland Garros final appearance, could do little to prevent his showman opponent from breaking, but hung on throughout intense exchanges to draw at 3-3.
Alcaraz let out a yell after hitting a 101 mph forehand to win the tie break and double his advantage in the match, and the finish line was in sight when he broke for a 3-1 lead in the third set, which he sealed with a nice volley.
(Reuters)