"Difficult but always special to play in such a stadium" - Alcaraz on Roland Garros opener

Carlos Alcaraz eliminated lucky loser Juan Ignacio Londero 6-4, 6-2, 6-0 after one hour and 50 minutes to reach the second round at Roland Garros.

Alcaraz faced an experienced opponent in Londero, who advanced to the fourth round at Roland Garros three years ago on his Grand Slam main draw debut. But the 28-year-old Argentine was unable to find enough consistency to put his younger opponent, who won the final 10 games of the match, into much difficulty.

Carlos said:

"It was difficult at the beginning, but it's always special to play in such a great stadium, a great court. I'm really happy with the performance in my first match in Philippe Chatrier, and hope to play more matches [on] this court."

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Alcaraz is trying to keep perspective on things despite his meteoric rise focusing mainly on the tournament and not much else:

"I am trying to be focussed just on the tournaments, on the matches, and [not] trying to be a part of the social media and everyone talking about you. [I] just focus on what I have to improve, what I have to do [in] the matches, what I have to do... every day to be ready in the tournament."