How Did Alcaraz Become the Second-Fastest Player to Secure 20 Match Wins at Roland Garros?

Paris, May 28 (NationPress) Carlos Alcaraz has added yet another achievement to his illustrious career on Wednesday as the defending champion advanced to the third round of Roland Garros 2025 with a decisive four-set victory over World No. 56 Fabian Marozsan.

The 21-year-old Spanish star not only moved closer to defending his title but also reached an impressive personal milestone, becoming the second-fastest player to secure 20 match wins at Roland Garros in the Open Era since 2000. He accomplished this in just 23 matches, second only to the legendary Rafael Nadal, renowned as the king of clay.

Alcaraz's match concluded with scores of 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, showcasing his mental strength and strategic prowess. The match, played under the closed roof of Court Philippe Chatrier due to rain, saw a brief momentum shift towards Marozsan.

The Hungarian, who previously defeated Alcaraz in Rome last year, capitalized on his variety and finesse to snatch the second set with a series of drop shots and adept net play. However, Alcaraz rallied impressively, ramping up his performance in the third and fourth sets and mesmerizing the audience with his athleticism and shot-making skills.

“It was a fantastic match. I felt confident in the first set. In the second set, he raised his level and played very aggressively,” Alcaraz remarked after the match. “Dealing with his game in the second set was challenging, but I’m glad I maintained my composure in the third.”

Statistically, Alcaraz dominated, winning 71% of points on his first serve and executing 41 winners, 19 more than Marozsan, to secure victory in just over two hours.

“Playing here always feels special. This court has provided me with some of the most unforgettable moments of my career,” he expressed.

Next, the World No. 2 will face either France’s towering wildcard Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard or Bosnia’s seasoned player Damir Dzumhur in the third round.

On the women’s side, it was a day filled with determination and emotional resilience for Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, who reached the third round of Roland Garros for the 10th time. The former World No. 3 triumphed over Anna Bondar from Hungary with scores of 7-6(4), 7-5 in a closely contested match that required her to dig deep at crucial moments.

Svitolina was supported from the stands by her husband, Gael Monfils, who had captivated the crowd with a marathon five-set win the previous night. Monfils' energy seemed to inspire Svitolina, who credited his presence as a key motivator for her strong performance.

“Having Gael in the box means a lot, especially after his incredible match yesterday,” Svitolina stated. “He inspires me daily, and I aimed to give my best.”