Defending champion Alcaraz eases past Zeppieri to reach second round

Carlos Alcaraz came through in straight sets against Giulio Zeppieri, beating the Italian 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to ease into the second round of Roland-Garros.

The defending champion extends his winning streak in the French capital to eight matches as he ensured a smooth start to the his maiden French Open title from twelve months ago.

Four breaks in total without reply was more than enough for the Spaniard to knock out the qualifier and set up an intriguing meeting against Hungarian Fabian Marozsan in the second round.

Marozsan famously defeated Alcaraz at the Italian Open in the 2023, and continues to pose a threat to the higher seeds across the biggest tournaments.

For now though, the reigning Monte-Carlo and Rome champion can take satisfaction from a professional and accomplished performance in Paris to avoid the ignominy of a first-round exit as defending champion.