Day 2: Three to watch Roland-Garros The 2023 Roland-Garros ...

Alcaraz, Djokovic begin march to semis clash

It’s Djokovic who could stop Alcaraz from making his maiden French final as the two have a potential clash in the semi-finals.

But neither major champ can look past their first round, with Djokovic bringing just a 5-3 clay mark into Paris, where he has won in 2016 and 2021. His first test comes in the form of little-known American Aleksandar Kovacevic, who has soared from world No. 347 a year ago to No. 114.

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“I cannot underestimate anybody,” Djokovic told reporters of Kovacevic, who shares Serbian roots with the 22-time major winner.

Novak has also shared a practice court with the 24-year-old: “He’s someone that I trained with a few times in the last few years... very talented, one-handed backhand.”

Champion in Barcelona and Madrid, Alcaraz strides onto the match court for the first time since his stunning loss to Fabian Marozsan in Rome, the world No. 135. That upset could buoy Cobolli, who is making his major debut.

>> READ: ALCARAZ TAKES LIFE AT THE TOP IN HIS STRIDE