French Open 2024: Carlos Alcaraz victorious in opening match at Roland Garros

Alcaraz dominates in French Open return with win over J.J. Wolf, Djokovic begins bid for fourth title with low expectations.

World number three and reigning Wimbledon champion Alcaraz showcased an impressive performance as he secured a dominant victory over America's J.J. Wolf in the first round of the French Open. Despite concerns about a right arm injury that kept him out of the Rome Open, Alcaraz displayed no signs of discomfort as he delivered 27 winners and secured nine breaks of serve on his way to a 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 win.

The 21-year-old Spaniard, who reached the semi-finals in 2023 before falling to Novak Djokovic, maintained his flawless record in first-round matches at Grand Slam events, extending it to 13-0. Alcaraz expressed confidence in his form, stating that he doesn't require many matches to perform at his best. He credited his preparation in Paris, where he trained with top players, for helping him feel stronger and more confident.

Meanwhile, defending champion Novak Djokovic is set to begin his quest for a fourth French Open title and 25th major title on Tuesday. The Serbian star arrived in Paris with "low expectations and high hopes," acknowledging that he has yet to secure a title this season, a rare occurrence since 2018. Djokovic's journey at Roland Garros will be closely watched as he aims to add another Grand Slam trophy to his impressive collection.

In another anticipated match, veteran players Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray are scheduled to face off for the 23rd time, renewing their longstanding rivalry. Murray, who is in his final season on the tour, will be looking to make a statement against the 2015 champion. The future of 14-time champion Rafael Nadal also remains uncertain, with the Spanish legend hinting at a possible retirement after this year's tournament.

Nadal, who has enjoyed immense success at Roland Garros with 22 Grand Slam titles, expressed openness to the idea of retirement but stopped short of confirming his plans. The 38-year-old tennis icon, known for his dominance on clay courts, faces a tough challenge in the early rounds against Alexander Zverev. As fans eagerly await the outcome of these high-stakes matches, the French Open promises to deliver thrilling action and memorable moments on the courts.

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