French Open 2023: I played a great level and happy with the win – Carlos Alcaraz after R2 win against Taro Daniel

The World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz had to sweat hard for his second round win against Japan’s Taro Daniel as he won 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 to qualify for the third round of the ongoing Roland Garros. After convincingly winning the opening set, Alcaraz lost his serve early in the second set as Daniel took a 3-0 lead.

The Spaniard’s drop shot wasn’t working, he wasn’t staying patient in long rallies and there were too many unforced errors in the second set from him. However, as expected, Alcaraz bounced back in style in the third set to take a 5-0 lead. The youngster then dominated the next two sets to advance through in Paris.

Alcaraz gave credit to Taro Daniel for lifting his game in the second set and admitted that the conditions were not easy for him.

“Taro was playing great. He is a really tough player and this year he has won matches against great players,” Alcaraz said. “The conditions were tough and it was really, really tough, but you have to adjust your game as best as you can. I was really focused on every shot. I played a great level and happy with the win.”

The 20-year-old gave his gratitude to the fans for all the love and support in his first two matches of the tournament.

“It is amazing to play here,” Alcaraz said. “I have felt the support on the first day and today as well. I am really happy to play on Philippe-Chatrier, feeling the energy and the support.”

Carlos Alcaraz will play his third round match against Canada’s Denis Shapovalov after the Canadian beat Italian Matteo Arnaldi 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

On the other hand, Novak Djokovic registered a straight set win against Márton Fucsovics. The Serbian will take on Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the third round of Roland Garros.