Carlos Alcaraz survives scare at French Open

NEW DELHI: In a tense match at the French Open, world number three Carlos Alcaraz narrowly escaped defeat against 176th-ranked Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong, securing a four-set victory to advance to the third round.

Despite initially dominating with a 6-3, 6-4 lead, Alcaraz faced a resurgence from his opponent in the third set, ultimately triumphing with a final score of 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2.

Throughout the match, the Wimbledon champion struggled, conceding five breaks and committing 47 unforced errors. However, despite the challenges posed by De Jong, who was competing in only his second Grand Slam main draw, Alcaraz managed to maintain his composure and secure the win under the roof of Court Philippe Chatrier.

"Every player can cause you trouble," said Alcaraz.

"You have to be focussed in every round, have to play at your best, it doesn't matter what the ranking is. Jesper has the work and level to break into the top 100."

Alcaraz is set to face either American 27th seed Sebastian Korda or South Korea's Kwon Soon-woo in the next round, with a spot in the last 16 on the line.

Despite facing an early break in the opening set, Alcaraz rallied, breaking his opponent three times to seize control of the match.

The determined Dutchman thwarted eight break points in the second set, but Alcaraz eventually delivered the decisive blows.

However, Alcaraz, who entered the tournament with concerns over a right arm injury after skipping the Rome Open, struggled in the third set. He committed 15 unforced errors compared to the Dutchman's five, allowing his opponent to narrow the gap.

Despite early setbacks in the fourth set, Alcaraz regrouped and staged a comeback, winning the final four games to secure victory.

(With AFP inputs)