Carlos Alcaraz Advances to Third Round at Paris Games, Eyeing Olympic Gold

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz defeated Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands to advance to the third round of the Paris Games tennis tournament. Alcaraz showed impressive form despite some errors, aiming for Olympic gold. He will face Russian Roman Safiullin in his next match.

Spain's rising tennis star, Carlos Alcaraz, decisively conquered the Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor with a 6-1, 7-6(3) victory on Monday, securing a spot in the third round of the Paris Games tennis tournament. Aiming for Olympic gold, Alcaraz displayed a performance that, despite minor sloppiness, makes him a formidable contender.

The world number three had earlier clinched the French Open and Wimbledon titles and returned to Court Philippe-Chatrier, establishing dominance from the kickoff with an ace and two forehand winners. While the crowd still reeled from Rafa Nadal's defeat by Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz set out to prove he is ready to assume the mantle at Roland Garros, swiftly breaking Griekspoor's serve and winning the first set in a brisk 32 minutes.

Griekspoor, ranked 28th globally, posed a greater challenge in the second set, consistently holding his serve under pressure and forcing Alcaraz into uncharacteristic errors. However, Alcaraz's skill and agility shone through in the tiebreaker, securing his victory. Moving forward, Alcaraz is set to compete against Russian Roman Safiullin, who enters the third round as a neutral athlete.

(With inputs from agencies.)