Only five French Open second-round men’s singles matches were completed on Wednesday as rain continued to pummel Paris. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz advanced under the roof on Court Philippe-Chatrier, while Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, and Pavel Kotov picked up wins on Court Suzanne-Lenglen.
Sinner ended the tournament hopes of French veteran Richard Gasquet, rolling to a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 victory during the night session.
“First of all the atmosphere was amazing,” the second-ranked Italian told the crowd afterward. “I knew you guys would be cheering for Richard…. It’s been a very fair crowd, so thank you so much for the support. He gave as a player and still gives so much to tennis. It’s so nice to have him around. He’s still playing incredible tennis. I wish him all the best for the rest of the season.”
Next up for Sinner is Pavel Kotov, who battled past Stan Wawrinka 7-6(5), 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(5) amidst a raucous pro-Wawrinka atmosphere on Suzanne-Lenglen.
Alcaraz kicked off the proceedings on Chatrier by beating Jesper de Jong 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2. A wildly entertaining first two sets gave way to a dip in the third-ranked Spaniard’s form, but he still managed to get the job done in three hours and nine minutes.
“As I have said many times, any player can put you in trouble,” Alcaraz noted. “You have to be very focused every match and every point and every round. It does not matter if I am at the top of the rankings and playing someone outside the top 100. You have to think you have to play at your best if you want to get through. The ranking doesn’t matter; [what matters is] the level to keep going, and I am sure he will break (into) the top 100.
“(In) the third set I needed to forget about putting on a show and put myself in the chance of putting myself in the rallies. It was difficult for me to do it. I was in trouble a little bit, but I am very happy to do it at the end.”
The reigning Wimbledon champion awaits either Sebastian Korda or Soonwoo Kwon in the round of 32.
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Sinner didn’t look great physically at the end
Carlos seemed a bit wayward at times.
that was a good test for Carlos.