Carlos Alcaraz (Spain-1) and Novak Djokovic (Serbia-3), two of the favorites to win the French Open in the absence of Rafael Nadal (Spain-15), advanced through the first round of singles play side by side.
Alcaraz cruised to a 3-0 (6-0 6-2 7-5) victory over 159th-ranked Flavio Covoli (Italy) in the first round of the men’s singles competition at Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France, on Monday (Sept. 29).
Alcaraz, who won the US Open last year, missed the Australian Open, the first major of the year, due to injury. With her victory in the first round of the French Open, she extended her winning streak to eight majors.
After winning the U.S. Open last year, Alcaraz became the youngest player in history to reach the top of the world rankings at 19 years and four months old.
With Nadal, who has won the French Open 14 times, out with injury, Alcaraz is a strong favorite.
Another favorite, Djokovic, defeated Alexander Kovacevic (USA – ranked 114th) 3-0 (6-3 6-2 7-6<7-1>) in the first round.
Djokovic, who won his 22nd career major title with a dominant performance at this year’s Australian Open, is tied with Nadal for first place on the men’s singles career wins list at major tournaments. If he wins this tournament, he will become the all-time leader.
Alcaraz will meet Daniel Taro (JPN – 112th) in the second round. Djokovic’s second round opponent is Marton Puchovic (Hungary – 83rd).먹튀검증
If Alcaraz and Djokovic continue to win, they will meet in the quarterfinals.
In the women’s singles, “Lucky loser” Elina Abanesyan (Russia-134th), who was eliminated in qualifying but was given a spot in the main draw due to a no-show, upset Belinda Bencic (Switzerland-12th).
After falling 1-2 (7-5 4-6 6-7<7-10>) to No. 138 Kayla Day (USA) in a three-hour, seven-minute battle in the third round of qualifying, Avanesyan advanced to the main draw as the Rookie of the Year, defeating Benitsch 2-1 (6-3 2-6 6-4).
Benenci is the women’s singles gold medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and reached the final four at the 2019 US Open.
