Match Details
Fixture: (6) Carlos Alcaraz vs (L) Juan Ignacio Londero.
Date: 22 May 2022.
Tournament: French Open 2022.
Round: First round (Round of 128).
Venue: Paris, France.
Category: Grand Slam.
Surface: Outdoor clay.
Match timing: Approx. 4 pm local time, 2 pm GMT, 10 am ET, 7.30 pm IST.
Prize money: €21,256,800.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel, NBC Sports, Peacock TV | Canada - TSN | UK - Eurosport | India - Sony Ten.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Juan Ignacio Londero preview
World No. 6 Carlos Alcaraz will begin his quest for a maiden Grand Slam title against Argentine lucky loser Juan Ignacio Londero at the 2022 French Open on Sunday.
Alcaraz has had a dream season so far, establishing himself as one of the top contenders for the Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy. After triumphing in Rio de Janeiro, the 19-year-old embarked on a remarkable North American swing that saw him reach the semifinals at Indian Wells and claim the title in Miami.
Following a brief stutter at Monte Carlo, the young Spaniard bounced back in stunning fashion, winning back-to-back titles in Barcelona and Madrid. The fact that he beat both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic on his way to glory in the Spanish capital will give him tremendous confidence ahead of the claycourt Major.
A typical claycourter, Juan Ignacio Londero has had most of his success on the red dirt.
He has reached a couple of tour-level finals in his career, both on clay. While the 28-year-old emerged victorious in Cordoba in February 2019, he finished as the runner-up a few months later in Bastad. The Argentine also had his best-ever Grand Slam showing that year, with a fourth-round appearance at the French Open.
His consistent performances took him to a career-high ranking of No. 50 towards the end of the 2019 season. Apart from a semifinal run in Cordoba in February, Londero hasn't been able to make much of an impact since then.
With his world ranking plummeting to 141, the Argentine had to play in the qualifying rounds at the French Open this week. He won his first couple of rounds before losing to Borna Gojo. Nevertheless, he made it to the main draw as a lucky loser.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Juan Ignacio Londero head-to-head
Alcaraz and Londero have never squared off on the tour before, so their head-to-head is currently tied at 0-0.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Juan Ignacio Londero odds
All odds sourced from BetMGM
Carlos Alcaraz vs Juan Ignacio Londero prediction
By dint of his form and ranking, Carlos Alcaraz is the overwhelming favorite to come through this contest.
The sixth seed has been in sensational form of late and recently broke into the top 10 of the world rankings.
Alcaraz's speed, maturity and shot-making skills have helped him compile a 28-3 win-loss record for the year. Apart from having a potent forehand with which he can strike winners from anywhere on the court, he possesses a delicate drop shot that can throw opponents off their game.
Londero, on his part, will need to engage the Spaniard in long rallies. To be able to go toe-to-toe with Alcaraz, he will need to put in a superb performance on serve. But even if he does serve well, he's unlikely to do much damage against the Spaniard.
Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz to win in straight sets.