"I hope to play more matches on this court" - Alcaraz after Roland Garros opener
ATP
Carlos Alcaraz's ATP rise continued as he defeated Juan Ignacio Londero at the 2022 Roland Garros. The Spanish teenager made it clear that he wants more success at the clay-court Grand Slam.
Alcaraz entered the 2022 Roland Garros ranked sixth in the ATP standings following an impressive start to the season. Between January and May, the 19-year-old lost only three matches and won titles in Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Barcelona, and Madrid.
In the process, Alcaraz also defeats top players to showcase his potential to compete with the ATP's best. At the Madrid Open, the Spanish star produced a memorable run to defeat Cameron Norrie, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Alexander Zverev on his way to the title.
142nd-ranked Londero was Alcaraz's latest scalp, as the teenage player extended his current winning streak on clay to 11 consecutive matches.
It was also his first-ever appearance on the Court Philippe-Chatrier, and Alcaraz said after the match that he is eager to experience more game time inside the esteemed tennis venue.
"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."
A lot has changed in the past year for Alcaraz, who was barely ranked inside the Top 100 one year ago and started the 2022 campaign 31st in the ATP rankings. However, the Spanish starlet has emerged as one of the leading favorites to go all the way in Paris as he eyes a first Grand Slam title.
Despite being one of the pre-tournament favorites, Alcaraz admitted that he is trying to cut out the outside noise and hysteria about his potential. Instead, the 19-year-old said he is trying to focus on what is happening on the court, with a meeting against Top 50 player and compatriot Albert Ramos coming up in round two.
"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."
