French Open 2023: Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz ease through opening round
Both among the favourites for Roland Garros glory this year in the absence of injured 14-time winner Rafael Nadal from the men’s singles draw, there was never a possibility of either top seed being ousted in a major shock on day two of the Grand Slam.
Djokovic overcame American debutant Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-3 6-2 7-6 (7-1), setting up a second-round meeting with Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics on Wednesday as he looks to take advantage of Nadal’s absence with a persistent hip issue and move one clear in the battle for the most all-time Majors with his 23rd.
“It’s always a pleasure to come back here, one of the best tournaments in the world,” said Djokovic, French Open champion in 2016 and 2021.
Collision course: Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz could meet in the French Open semis
/ Reuters/Getty Images“I’m very motivated to go far here, all the way I hope.”
World No1 Alcaraz later blasted past Italian qualifier Flavio Cobolli 6-0 6-2 7-5 as he laid down an early marker in his bid to add to his lone singles Slam to date, the 2022 US Open. He missed the Australian Open earlier this year, which Djokovic won, due to a hamstring problem.
Japan’s Taro Daniel lies in wait next for Alcaraz, who is in the same half of the draw as third seed Djokovic, which could lead to a blockbuster semi-final showdown between the pair. Second seed Daniil Medvedev opens his campaign against Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild on Tuesday.
