Carlos Alcaraz faced a challenging match against Damir Dzumhur in the third round of Roland Garros, where he had to battle through four sets to secure a 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory over a duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes. Known for his dislike of night matches, Alcaraz managed to close the game despite a tense third set that saw Dzumhur raise his level of play, pushing Alcaraz to the edge of dropping into a fifth set.
Initially, Alcaraz showcased his skills early on, winning the first set in just under 30 minutes. A frustrated Dzumhur struggled with his left knee during the match but continued to fight against Alcaraz’s powerful performance. The Spanish player relied on a strong net game, achieving an impressive percentage of points won during his rallies.
Dzumhur tried to reset the match and had chances to break Alcaraz’s serve but ultimately, Alcaraz secured a critical break and maintained control of the second set, showcasing resilience. However, as the match progressed, fatigue began to impact both players, but Dzumhur, fueled by the crowd, capitalized on Alcaraz’s errors to push the game into a fourth set.
Despite a worrisome turn of events when Dzumhur initially broke Alcaraz’s serve in the fourth set, the Spanish star responded effectively. He surged back, concluding the match with a 5-1 rally in the final set.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz is set to face American player Ben Shelton in the upcoming round. Shelton, who dispatched Italian Matteo Gigante in straight sets, possesses a formidable serve, having recorded 25 aces in his two matches, thus making him a dangerous opponent even on clay.
This match exemplifies Alcaraz’s determination and skill under pressure, and maintaining hope for a successful continuation in the tournament. As he gears up for the challenge with Shelton, fans are eager to see if he can continue his title defense in Paris.