French Open: Tim Henman says 'faultless' Carlos Alcaraz revelled in 'party atmosphere' against Flavio Cobolli
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Updated 29/05/2023 at 19:06 GMT
Carlos Alcaraz put in a "faultless" performance to kick off his bid for French Open glory against Flavio Cobolli, according to Eurosport expert Tim Henman. The Spanish top seed won in straight sets and produced some extraordinary shots in a match that had a hugely entertaining third-set conclusion. Henman believes Alcaraz enjoyed the "party atmosphere" on court more than anyone in Paris.
'I played a great level' - Alcaraz reflects on winning opening match at Roland-Garros
Carlos Alcaraz enjoyed the ‘party atmosphere’ of his opening French Open match more than anyone else, according to Eurosport expert Tim Henman, who applauded a ‘faultless’ win over Flavio Cobolli.
The top seed from Spain brushed aside his unfancied opponent with a 6-0 6-2 7-5 victory that saw some outrageous shot-making from Alcaraz and served up a thrilling final set.
Alcaraz came flying out of the blocks by winning the first eight games in a row against the bewildered Italian, and former British No. 1 Henman was impressed.
“I think [he was] brilliant. He came out and wanted to set the tone early,” Henman said in The Cube as part of Eurosport’s exclusive French Open coverage.
“He’s a massive favourite and in the first round, we talk about sometimes how it’s a little bit tricky, but he was faultless.
“For two sets and then up in the third set, he barely put a foot wrong.”
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Alcaraz produces 'laughably good' winner as opponent left stunned
Henman added: “[He] is just so exciting…it’s like a party atmosphere out there and it seems Alcaraz is the one enjoying that party the most. It’s incredible to watch.”
Fellow pundit Mats Wilander was court-side at Suzanne Lenglen to take in the match, and was left singing the praises of both players for a hugely entertaining third set.
Cobolli responded to his slow start by pushing Alcaraz hard in the third, saving three match points and pumping up the crowd before ultimately succumbing.
“The comeback from Flavio was incredible and the level of tennis in that third set was absolutely incredible,” Wilander said.
“The shot-making skills from both of them – unbelievable. The enjoyment on the faces from both of them – also incredible.
“And to have the crowd shouting for Flavio the whole time, still understanding that we can’t upset Carlos - because he’s the one we really want to watch - but it was an amazing atmosphere.”
Henman didn’t believe there was anything for Alcaraz to worry about despite the apparent drop in his level in the third set compared to the first two against the world No. 159.
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Watch the moment Alcaraz beats Cobolli in straight sets
“Perhaps a little bit of lost concentration, perhaps he thought the match was over,” Henman said.
“He had 0-40 at 5-3 and might have thought this is done and dusted. It just goes to show, he lost seven points in a row and suddenly from being at match point he was back on serve at 5-5.
“But credit to his opponent, he really thrived in that atmosphere. Even when he lost the first eight games he was celebrating when he won that first game. I think he showed a great attitude and made it a little bit trickier in the third set.
“But Alcaraz looked so comfortable out there, it was like he regrouped at 5-5, broke again and served it out.”
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