Paris – Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, battled his way into the fourth round of the French Open on Friday, overcoming a stern challenge from Damir Dzumhur in a four-set encounter. The final score read 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, marking a hard-fought victory under the lights.

The Match Unfolds

Alcaraz, seeded second in the tournament, faced Dzumhur for the first time. Dzumhur, a 33-year-old Bosnian, had never progressed beyond the third round in any major tournament, adding an element of unpredictability to the match.

The match wasn’t without its challenges for Alcaraz. I suffered quite a lot today, Alcaraz admitted. He elaborated, The first two sets was under control, then he started to play more deeply and more aggressively. It was really difficult for me.

Dzumhur’s Resilience and Injury

Dzumhur’s campaign was marred by a left knee injury sustained in the second round.During the match,he received treatment on his right leg during a changeover while trailing 3-2 in the third set. The medical attention extended to both legs, requiring several minutes of on-court treatment.

Despite the injury, Dzumhur displayed remarkable resilience, earning cheers from the crowd for an improbable smash, winning the third set, and breaking Alcaraz’s serve at the start of the fourth set.

Alcaraz’s Struggle and Comeback

Alcaraz experienced a period of uncharacteristic errors, sending routine forehands long and forcing shots. frustration was evident as he stared at the clay after one errant shot. However, the four-time Grand Slam singles champion regained his composure, breaking back in the sixth and eighth games to serve for the match.

Dzumhur, with his face red with effort and glistening with sweat, refused to concede, breaking back to prolong the suspense.

That’s why it’s difficult to win Grand Slams because you have to maintain your focus over three or four hours. I didn’t enjoy it too much.
Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz ultimately secured victory on his second match point.

Looking Ahead: Alcaraz vs. Shelton

Alcaraz’s next challenge is against No. 13 Ben Shelton in the fourth round. Alcaraz holds a 2-0 advantage in their career matchups, but they have never faced each other on clay.

Shelton, also 22, is eager for the opportunity. Playing the defending champion, round of 16, I’m guessing center court, that’s a pretty cool opportunity, pretty cool experience, Shelton said after his victory over Matteo Gigante 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.

American Men’s Resurgence

The French Open is witnessing a strong showing from American male players.Tommy Paul’s five-set win over Karen Khachanov and Frances Tiafoe’s victory over Sebastian Korda mean that, along with Shelton, the U.S. has three men in the fourth round for the first time since 1995.

If qualifier Ethan Quinn wins his Saturday match, there would be four American men in Week 2 in Paris for the first time since 1991.

Other Notable Results

In other men’s third-round action, Lorenzo Musetti of Italy defeated Mariano Navone, and Holger Rune of Denmark overcame Frenchman Quentin Halys in five sets. Alexei Popyrin of Australia also advanced.