Alcaraz gives Korda no option

The Spanish Carlos Alcaraz is already in the second round of Roland Garros. The Murcian recovered sensations this Friday and once again displayed his best game to resoundingly beat the American Sebastian Korda (6-4, 6-4, 6-2) in just over two hours of the match.

The sixth seed, who saved a match point in the second round against Albert Ramos, faced the only man to beat him on clay this year and showed his greatest potential on the packed Philippe Chatrier court, where he combined powerful right hands with tight groundstrokes that Korda was unable to respond to.

For his part, the 27th seed used all his weapons against the Spaniard, only for the ball to come back faster and with more power. However, it was no use and the American faded completely in the third set after holding off Alcaraz more or less well in the first two.

Alcaraz, who now has an 18-1 record on clay this season – following titles in Barcelona and Madrid – will face 21st-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov in the round of 16 before a potential quarter-final showdown. final against third seed Alexander Zverev.

“It’s amazing to play in front of such a large crowd in this environment at night,” said the 19-year-old Alcaraz, who wowed the crowd with a recital of serves and volleys. “I am having fun, I love playing tennis on such good courts, I love playing in France. Serve and volley is a weapon that I have, so I use it », he stressed.

bright start

Alcaraz got off to a brilliant start and commanded a pair of double break points at 3-1, only for Korda to stave them off with a service winner and ace. But the Spaniard had no problems in his service games and took the first set with just six points dropped.

Korda regained some feeling early in the second set and had two break points, but Alcaraz held his own and showed his ability to find the best shot at the right time, including a sublime lob while on his back to take a 30-0 lead in the fifth game. He capped off the second set with a superb forehand winner down the line.

In the third set the American lowered his arms. The Spaniard soon broke his serve to get the match back on track. The die was cast. From there, things got tricky for Korda, who lost serve again with a volley at the net in game seven and capitulated on the first match point, when Alcaraz blasted a backhand winner down the line. A nice way to close the victory and recover sensations.