Carlos Alcaraz in his new Nike kit made a statement not only in the fashion department but also on court as he eased past Giulio Zeppieri in three sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 at the 2025 French Open.
The defending champion eased past the qualifier to send an early statement to the competition. He is aiming to become the first male since Rafael Nadal in 2019-2020 to defend his title. He has won 16/17 tour level matches on clay this year.
“It was really, really solid,” said Alcaraz. “The first round of the tournament is never easy, coming here as the defending champion could be even tougher. But I just started pretty well, and kept my good pace during the whole match. I tried to be focused on my game, to get a good rhythm.
“I’m just really proud of my start here at Roland Garros, where I was really excited to play my first match this year.”
In the first round, Alcaraz was wowing from all ends of the court. He won 21 out of 25 points advancing to the net and saved all three break points he faced during the near two hour duel.
After seeing Rafael Nadal's emotional tribute last night, he will be looking to emulate the Spanish hero by thriving on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Others through already include Casper Ruud who also eased through against Albert Ramos Vinolas. Hugo Gaston won in five sets against Ugo Blanchet.
While Alejandro Tabilo also won in five against Arthur Cazaux earlier today. Very much easing through for the top names and difficulties for the others involved as Alcaraz and Ruud show their class.
Match Statistics Zeppieri vs. Alcaraz
| Zeppieri | VS | Alcaraz |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 6 | Aces | 3 |
| 0 | Double Faults | 4 |
| 65% (55/85) | 1st Service Percentage | 66% (57/86) |
| 67% (37/55) | 1st Service Points Won | 77% (44/57) |
| 37% (11/30) | 2nd Service Points Won | 59% (17/29) |
| 50% (4/8) | Break Points Saved | 100% (3/3) |
| 69% (9/13) | Service Games | 100% (14/14) |
| Return | ||
| 23% (13/57) | 1st Return Points Won | 33% (18/55) |
| 41% (12/29) | 2nd Return Points Won | 63% (19/30) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 1h 58m | Match Duration | 1h 58m |
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
