Alcaraz and Djokovic both through in straight sets at French Open

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic both began their French Open underway with a straight sets victory on Monday.

Djokovic faced 114th-ranked Aleksandar Kovacevic and defeated him 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (1). The Serb had no difficulties in the opening 2 sets, but had to work hard for the 3rd one.

19-0 ✅@DjokerNole remains perfect in the opening round at #RolandGarros sweeping past Kovacevic 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(1). pic.twitter.com/kfMS3dxv0F

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2023

“I played really well and held things under control for 2 1/2 sets and then lost my serve and things got a little bit on a wrong side for me,” said the 36-year-old “But I managed to hold my nerves and played pretty much a perfect tiebreak.”

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Alcaraz was drawn against 159th-ranked Flavio Cobolli, a 21-year-old Italian, who also put up a resistance in the final set 6-0, 6-2, 7-5. The world No.1 had three match points at 5-3, but was unable to convert him and to the surprise of everyone even allowed a break.

Hungry for more 😋#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/EFT05zRvSk

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2023

Eventually, he managed to prevail and qualify for the 2nd round.

Both Djokovic and Alcaraz are firm favorites for this year’s French Open and are likely to meet one another in the 1/2 finals.