Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz beats qualifier Giulio Zeppieri in opening round at Roland Garros

The reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz was able to begin his Roland Garros title defense on a high as he bested qualifier Giulio Zeppieri in the opening round at Court Philippe-Chatrier on Monday. The Spaniard registered a comprehensive 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win against the Italian to advance in the tournament.

Alcaraz has now won 16 of his 17 tour-level matches on clay this year. The youngster had to sweat a bit to hold his serve in the opening game of the match but broke his opponent’s serve in the fourth game of the first set.

From there on, Alcaraz dominated the show and gave no chance to Zeppieri.

“It was really, really solid,” said Alcaraz. “The first round of the tournament is never easy, coming here as the defending champion could be even tougher. But I just started pretty well, and kept my good pace during the whole match. I tried to be focused on my game, to get a good rhythm.

“I’m just really proud of my start here at Roland Garros, where I was really excited to play my first match this year.”

Ahead of the French Open, Alcaraz won the ATP Masters 1000 titles in Monte-Carlo and Rome before reclaiming the No. 2 spot in the PIF ATP Rankings a week ago.

The Spaniard said he is feeling more confident while approaching these big matches in his career.

“Right now, I think I found a really good path again,” said Alcaraz of his season. “I’m just starting to get it, feeling more comfortable approaching these matches. Once I start the matches, I’m just keeping the high level [throughout] the match and the whole tournament.”

Alcaraz will next take on Hungary’s Fábián Marozsán in the second round on Wednesday.