Paris [France], May 31: Carlos Alcaraz battled past a gritty Damir Dzumhur on Friday at Roland Garros to keep his title defence alive. In a tense, three-hour-and-14-minute encounter, the World No. 2 defeated the Bosnian 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, advancing to the fourth round of the French Open, according to the ATP’s official website.
After cruising through the first two sets, the 22-year-old Spaniard was tested in the third as Dzumhur raised his game. Alcaraz was broken while serving for the match at 5-4 in the fourth set, but responded with a break of his own to close out the contest.
Alcaraz’s aggressive forehands, some topping 160 km/h (100 mph), kept him in control early on. Despite Dzumhur creating break points in all four sets, he converted only one of his first eight chances, missing key opportunities to shift momentum.
Dzumhur impressed with his shot-making and fearless net approaches, pushing Alcaraz out of rhythm and forcing errors, particularly in the third set. However, Alcaraz’s persistence paid off—he finally broke back after missing nine break points and finished the match with 52 winners, including 38 off the forehand wing.
Alcaraz boasts a formidable 30-2 record on clay since May 2024, which includes his maiden Roland Garros title and a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. His 2025 season has already seen clay-court triumphs at the Monte-Carlo and Rome Masters.
The four-time Grand Slam champion now prepares for a blockbuster fourth-round showdown with 13th seed Ben Shelton, as he attempts to become the first man since Rafael Nadal (2019–20) to successfully defend the Roland Garros crown.