Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz faced a major test under the Paris lights, edging past Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur in a tense four-set battle to reach the French Open fourth round. The 22-year-old Spaniard, seeded second, looked in control early, taking the first two sets 6-1, 6-3, but Dzumhur, ranked 69th, stormed back to claim the third set 6-4 and broke Alcaraz’s serve to start the fourth.
Alcaraz, aiming to become the first man since Rafael Nadal to defend the Roland Garros title, regrouped just in time. He reeled off four straight games, withstanding Dzumhur’s late resistance to close out the match 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4—just before midnight on Court Philippe Chatrier “It was quite challenging, but I’m glad to have competed well against Damir. Winning Grand Slams is tough because you have to stay focused for three or four hours,” Alcaraz admitted after the match.
Dzumhur, 33, was bidding to become the first Bosnian man to reach a Grand Slam fourth round. He showed his experience and tactical skill, especially after receiving treatment for a knee injury, but ultimately could not halt Alcaraz’s power and athleticism.
Next up for Alcaraz is a showdown with 13th seed Ben Shelton, who dispatched Italy’s Matteo Gigante in straight sets. Meanwhile, on the women’s side, Iga Swiatek extended her Roland Garros winning streak to 26 matches, tying Serena Williams for the longest run in women’s singles Grand Slams this century. Swiatek now prepares for a blockbuster semifinal against world No. Aryna Sabalenka, in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated clashes.
Elsewhere, rising Serbian star Hamad Medjedovic continues to impress in the men’s draw, while fans eagerly await more high-stakes battles as the tournament heads into its decisive stages.
Stay tuned for more dramatic moments from the red clay of Paris as the French Open 2025 delivers on its promise of unforgettable tennis.
