Carlos Alcaraz flows in his debut in Paris against Alex Michelsen and is left without rivals

Carlos Alcaraz landed in Paris with the good feelings of his recent title in Vienna and the desire to prolong his streak. In his debut in the last Masters 1000 of the season, this Wednesday, he beat the American Alex Michelsen 7-6(4) and 6-3, in a match that he resolved with authority after a demanding first set.

The Spaniard had a hard time finding his rhythm in the early stages, with some early errors, but he adapted well to the track. His right, especially, made a difference. With it he dominated the exchanges and found a way to disarm a 21-year-old rival who has arguments to soon aspire to the Top 20. Michelsen, coming from American university tennis, like Rafa Jódar, with tennis similar to his, is one of the most interesting young people on the circuit. He has a great return and a solid backhand, although he suffered against the Spaniard's forehand.

In the first set tiebreaker they went 4-1 ahead, but Alcaraz responded with six consecutive points to turn it around (7-4). A decisive script change. In the second set, with the first obstacle overcome, they imposed their superiority until the final 6-3.

Beyond his game, the attitude of the current world number three stood out. Fresh, focused and without reproach towards himself, he conveyed the feeling of enjoying the competition and having the ambition to close the season in a big way.

"It was my first time on this court, I didn't know what would happen. I tried to be very focused on each shot, on how the ball reacted, on collecting all the possible information. I got an early break, but then I made some mistakes and I had to fight for it. I am very happy with my debut and I look forward to playing again in the next match," analyzed Alcaraz, after the victory.

His next rival will be Matteo Berrettini, this Thursday, not before 7:00 p.m., a duel that has not occurred since Wimbledon 2023, more than three years ago.