Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek had a good start to Roland Garros on Monday. The two titleholders, who were still together at Rafael Nadal’s farewell on Sunday, survived the first round without losing a set.
Alcaraz was too strong for the Italian lucky loser Giulio Zeppieri on Court Suzanne Lenglen with 6-3, 6-4 and 6-2. The number 310 in the world was added to the schedule at the last minute due to a cancellation by the Japanese Kei Nishikori.
Alcaraz is considered the big favorite for the title in Paris. The number two in the world already won the Masters tournaments of Monte Carlo and Rome this gravel season. Last year he was too strong for Alexander Zverev in the final in Paris.
Upon his return to the French capital, Alcaraz did not give up a service game. Within two hours, the 22-year-old Spaniard finished the match against Zeppieri on his first match point with an ace.
Swiatek defeats Sramková
Shortly before Alcaraz reached the second round, Iga Swiatek secured a place in the next round of the women’s tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The Polish defeated the Slovak Rebecca Sramková with 6-3 and 6-3.
The 23-year-old Swiatek has been undefeated for 22 matches in a row at Roland Garros. She has won the last three editions of the Grand Slam tournament in Paris.
Remarkably, Swiatek’s last title dates back almost a year ago, at Roland Garros. She has already suffered three defeats this gravel season and has dropped to fifth place in the world rankings.