"I had to forget about putting on a show" - Carlos Alcaraz admits difficulties in getting through French Open 2R in error-prone display

Carlos Alcaraz admitted that he had to stop putting on a show midway through an error-prone 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 win over Jesper De Jong in the second round of the 2024 French Open on Wednesday, May 29.

Alcaraz, who appeared to lose his way a bit in the third set, was candid enough to admit that he was forced to concentrate on giving himself a chance to stay in the rallies at that stage.

The Spaniard also lauded his opponent for producing an array of drop-shots and volleys before acknowledging that he was happy to have come away with a win following a hard-fought encounter.

When asked during the on-court interview as to when he had to stop having fun and begin to suffer to win, Carlos Alcaraz replied that he was in trouble for a bit as the momentum swung his opponent's way in the third set.

"In the 3rd set, I thought I had to forget about putting on a show and try to give myself a chance to be in the rally 5 or 6 or 7 balls in every point. It was difficult for me to do it. I was in trouble a little bit," the Spaniard said.

De Jong, who broke Alcaraz early in the opening set with a spectacular drop shot, thrilled the spectators on Court Philippe-Chatrier despite misdirecting a few as well.

The two-time Grand Slam champion was of the opinion that his opponent's drop shots were better than his on the day.

"Really happy to do it at the end. Obviously. I think during the whole match Jesper and I both put on a great show. Drop shots and volleys. I think he did it better than me," Alcaraz said.

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Carlos Alcaraz lauds Jesper De Jong after advancing to French Open 3R

Carlos Alcaraz in action at the 2024 French Open

Carlos Alcaraz admitted that any player irrespective of the rankings was capable of giving "trouble" and that it was important to stay focussed on every match, every point and every round.

"As I said many many times, in these kinds of tournaments, every player can give you trouble. So, you have to be really focused in every match, in every point, and on every round," Alcaraz said during the on-court interview.

"It doesn’t matter that I am on top of the rankings and you are playing someone outside of the top 100. You should play at your best if you want to get through," he added.

The World No. 3 added:

"Obviously, Jesper saw that It didn't matter, the ranking, what matters is the level that he had on that day."

Alcaraz, who reached the semifinals at Roland Garros last year, missed a portion of the claycourt season on account of injury. He had earlier defeated Jeffrey John Wolf in straight sets in the opening round of the 2024 French Open.