Alcaraz 'expected worse' at start of French Open title defence
French Open 2025Dates: 25 May-8 June Venue: Roland GarrosCoverage: Live radio commentaries across 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and app
Carlos Alcaraz said he "expected a worse level" from himself after beginning his French Open title defence with a straight-set victory.Spain's four-time major winner recorded an efficient 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory over Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri in just one hour and 56 minutes.The 22-year-old is aiming to become the first man since compatriot Rafael Nadal in 2020 to retain the Roland Garros title.But despite winning 27 of his 29 matches on clay since May last year, Alcaraz said he did not expect such a smooth start to his campaign."I expected a worse level for me, honestly," world number two Alcaraz said."The first round for every tournament is never easy to adapt your game to the conditions and get used to it. "I'm just really proud about it. It is great to have these feelings in the first round."
Alcaraz won titles in Monte Carlo and Rome in the build-up to the French Open and finished runner-up to Holger Rune in Barcelona - his only loss in 16 clay-court matches in 2025. But those performances followed a surprise opening loss to David Goffin at the Miami Open in March, with victory at the Rotterdam Open his only success on hard courts this year.Discussing his form this season, Alcaraz said: "We all know the rollercoaster that has so far been this year for me - making really good results, then losing the first round."But right now I think I found a really good path again. I think I'm just starting to get it, feeling more comfortable approaching the matches. "Once I start the matches, I think I'm just keeping the high level in the whole match and during the whole tournament. "Alcaraz, who now holds a 19-3 record at the French Open, plays Hungarian Fabian Marozsan in the second round.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Blog
11 minutes ago
- Auto Blog
Aston Martin's New Valkyrie LM Is As Close As You Can Get To a Le Mans Hypercar, With Just 10 Made
If you've dreamed of racing at Le Mans, Aston Martin has the perfect car for you. How Aston Martin's Valkyrie LM differs from the LMH set to compete in The 24 Hours of Le Mans Aston Martin has revealed its new Valkyrie LM hypercar, which is derived from its Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) counterpart competing in the world-famous race this weekend. The Valkyrie LM's 10 owners will enjoy the same 7-speed transmission and 6.5-liter V-12 engine in the LMH version, but this modified engine produces 697 hp compared to the race version's 670. Aston Martin is making the Valkyrie LM accessible to amateur drivers by removing race series-specific elements like added weight and FIA-regulation electronics in favor of a cockpit interface tailored for track day usage. The automaker also changed the Valkyrie LM's torque control to a friendlier open-loop configuration instead of closed-loop with fewer internal adjustments, removed torque sensors managing power delivery for less technological oversight, and altered the V-12 engine to accept standard fuel. 0:06 / 0:09 Walmart is selling a 'heavy duty' $89 step ladder for $48, and shoppers say it's 'sturdy and secure' Watch More Aston Martin Valkyrie LM Operating in rear-wheel drive, the one-seater Valkyrie LM features Pirelli tires, semi-automatic paddle shifters like the LMH version, and a double-wishbone front and rear suspension with pushrod-actuated torsion bar springs with adjustable side and central dampers. This race-derived suspension set-up optimizes track performance and adjustability, and the cockpit contains a custom carbon-fiber race seat with shoulder support and headrest padding. This multi-million dollar Aston Martin also has an FIA safety harness, fire suppression system, and steering wheel with an integrated display and shift lights. Aston Martin has plenty in store for Valkyrie LM buyers Aston Martin is ensuring the Valkyrie LM's 10 buyers get the most out of their purchase with its optional track day program launching in Q2 2026. The track day program ensures each car is set up and prepared as it should be, with assistance from professional engineers, allowing drivers to push the model's limits, which include top speeds exceeding 200 mph. Before hitting the track, the program has owners train on a simulator with driver coaching sessions. Each Valkyrie LM comes with a helmet, Head and Neck Safety (HANS) device, driver's suit and boots, molded earpieces, driver's gloves, and fireproof underwear. Drivers opting into the track day program will have Aston Martin store their Valkyrie LM, allowing them to simply fly in, race, and fly out. Adam Carter, Aston Martin's Head of Endurance Motorsport, said in a release: 'It is important to emphasize that the Valkyrie LM is close to identical to the race car that is currently competing in WEC and IMSA, with only a few minor deviations to ensure it is a non-homologated variant and is accessible for customers to experience and enjoy. Valkyrie LM represents the most authentic Hypercar track experience that is now available.' Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Final thoughts The Valkyrie LM distinguishes itself beyond its ability to resemble race car dynamics and low production count. While the 10 Valkyrie LM owners will be part of a small club, Aston Martin facilitates a community aspect within this exclusive group through its track day program. Customers participating in the program will enjoy a Q2 2026 hand-off event marking first drives, two fully supported track days in Q3 2026, and additional track runs at F1 circuits in Q4 2026. Aston Martin's Valkyrie LM is an endurance racing fan's dream come true. Pricing has yet to be announced. About the Author Cody Carlson View Profile
The Sun
14 minutes ago
- The Sun
England vs Senegal LIVE SCORE: Action on NOW as Sarr LEVELS for Senegal after Kane scored early for Tuchel's side
Fans back Trevoh amid 10 changes England fans appear delighted Thomas Tuchel has made 10 changes to his starting line-up. That in itself is no surprise - given Saturday's win over Andorra was so poor and tonight's friendly is so unimportant, result wise. But supporters are also excited to see "unsung hero" Trevoh Chalobah start in defence. One called it "insane" the 25-year-ld has been uncapped until tonight. He added: "I'll speak for all Chelsea fans, he is underrated. Solid, fast, trajectory in his movement forward and humble." Another wrote: "Debut for Trevoh nice." But a third observer posted: "Can't believe he gets in a squad ahead of [Harry] Maguire."
Top Gear
40 minutes ago
- Top Gear
Alfa Romeo is going racing again… with a sailing boat
First Look Storied automotive brand will compete in the Americas Cup, which is famous for not having cars in it Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Spot the odd one out: a) Formula 1, b) Le Mans, c) the European Touring Car Championship, d) the America's Cup. If you said d), congratulations! You've successfully identified the one that isn't motorsport. That isn't stopping Alfa Romeo though. The Italian brand – known the world over for its cars, which are also known the world over for not really working very well on water – is entering the 2027 America's Cup in partnership with sailing outfit Luna Rossa Team. Let's get #AlfaLogic trending immediately. Advertisement - Page continues below But 'it's not just about putting a logo on the sails or on the boat' says team skipper Max Sirena. 'We actually started the engineering work and transfer between the two teams even way before signing the contract.' Allow us to explain. Sort of. Alfa argues that there will be an 'exchange' of know-how that will benefit both it and the sailing team, chiefly in aerodynamics, materials and (please don't snigger back there) quality control. You might like And there will legit be some Luna Rossa-based limited edition Alfas too. 'I don't want to reveal too much, but the idea is to make some specific cars, developed together with Luna Rossa,' teases Cristiano Fiorio, head of global marketing, communication and strategic projects. 'That means some performance cars, some limited edition cars that will embed the best know-how of both brands. We believe that a limited edition of cars carved together with Luna Rossa Team will be the answer to sell, as we were saying, additional cars. Advertisement - Page continues below 'So ideally we want to do something a little more bespoke, maybe more limited, and we are also working on ideas that can touch a higher number of people, because the DNA of Alfa Romeo is doing something very hard and very strong.' So not necessarily just themed trim levels for stuff like the Junior and Stelvio EV. More as we have it/understand what the heck is going on. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
