Carlos Alcaraz said an injury lay-off had been “hurting” him after dropping only four games on his way to an opening French Open 2024 win in straight sets over American JJ Wolf.
Third-ranked Alcaraz was the highest male singles seed in action on the opening day at Roland Garros, making a poor start in his first match since recovering from a right-forearm injury.
Lucky loser Wolf broke Alcaraz in the first game of the match on Phillippe-Chatrier but had precious little joy for the rest of the contest, failing to take another game in a first set lasting 37 minutes.
Read our other sports news stories:
Textor interested in buying Everton
Slot: Liverpool offer ‘difficult to ignore’
Rodri: Arsenal’s mentality lost them the Premier League title
“I had a really good preparation during these past two weeks before coming to Paris,” Alcaraz said after the 6-1 6-2 6-1 victory, in which he wore a protective sleeve.
“I felt really well moving. My forearm is getting better and better. That is something good for me.
“I would have loved to have played more matches. I don’t need too many matches to get to 100%.”
Carlos Alcaraz destroys lucky loser JJ Wolf 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 in less than two hours to reach the second round at #RolandGarros.
The American held serve twice all match.
Alcaraz never lost in the first round of a Slam (13-0). PIC.TWITTER.COM/EZBTUW2EQY
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) MAY 26, 2024
Alcaraz French Open results: ‘Best tennis’
The 21-year-old is aiming to build on his best ever run at the major last year, when he was beaten in four sets in the semi-finals by champion Novak Djokovic.
“I am really happy to be back here in Paris,” he said, describing a “difficult month”. “I love competing and playing tennis. To stay away from that was hurting me.
“I tried everything I could do to be here at 100%. I’m really, really happy to show my best tennis again.”
Alcaraz has won two Grand Slam titles, adding last year’s Wimbledon title to the US Open trophy he lifted in 2022.
He will meet Britain’s Jack Draper or Dutchman Jesper de Jong in the second round. The match between the pair was delayed by rain while Alcaraz was on court on Sunday.
“I love playing here in Paris,” he added. “The energy from the crowd here is something special.
“Seeing the full stadium in the first round is amazing. It’s great for tennis to have a lot of people come into the tournament. I’m trying to make the people enjoy it.”
