Carlos Alcaraz will face the Canadian Denis Shapovalov this Friday in the third round of Roland Garros, after beating the Japanese Taro Daniel, 112 in the ATP ranking (6-1, 3-6, 6-1 and 6-2), in a match played in a harsh environment due to the wind and in which the Murcian lost a set.
“It’s very difficult to play in these conditions, I tried to stay focused but with the wind it’s not easy, but I think I was able to give a high level despite the wind,” explained the Spaniard, who appreciated the support the public is giving him.
Alcaraz’s 32nd victory this season, his 22nd on clay, was neither the easiest nor the calmest. He did not show his best level against the Japanese, who is not one of the favorites to win the Musketeers Cup in Paris.
The tennis player from El Palmar will face Denis Shapovalov, who beat the Italian Matteo Arnaldi (6-2, 3-6, 6-0 and 6-2), also leaving a set. It will be another unprecedented duel, because Alcaraz has never faced the Canadian, favorite 26, who after a downturn seems to have recovered his best level.
The Murcian and Alejandro Davidovich are the only Spanish survivors in the men’s draw at Roland Garros, the lowest number in a third round since 1992, when only Emilio Sánchez and Carlos Costa were among the top 32.
While the Serbian Novak Djokovic, one of the favorites in Paris, solved his move to the next round in three sets, which was also followed by the Greek Stefanos Tsitispas and the Russians Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov.
The third round match at Roland Garros between Carlos Alcaraz and the Canadian Denis Shapovalov will take place this Friday, June 2, not before 8:15 p.m. The match can be seen on TV on Eurosport and can also be followed live on the La Vanguardia website.
