Alcaraz Overcomes Arm Woes, De Jong Challenge at French Open

Carlos Alcaraz, the world's No. 3 tennis player, faced a stern test in the second round of the French Open against 176th-ranked qualifier Jesper de Jong. Despite a bothersome right arm that limited his preparation, Alcaraz managed to overcome a mid-match slump and secure a 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 victory.

The match was played under the retractable roof at Court Philippe Chatrier due to heavy rain. Alcaraz started strongly, taking the first two sets with relative ease. However, de Jong, a 23-year-old from the Netherlands, showed his mettle in the third set, breaking Alcaraz's serve and taking the set 6-2.

The fourth set proved to be the most competitive. De Jong broke Alcaraz's serve early on and held his own serve to take a 2-1 lead. Alcaraz, known for his aggressive style, struggled to find his rhythm and made several unforced errors.

However, the Spaniard refused to give up. He dug deep and won the next five games in a row, breaking de Jong's serve twice. Alcaraz's forehand, which had been giving him trouble earlier in the match, started to find its range.

"I saw that I need to forget about putting on a show," Alcaraz said after the match. "It was difficult for me today, but really happy to do it at the end."

Alcaraz's victory sets up a third-round clash with another qualifier, Alexander Bublik. The Spaniard will be hoping to continue his progress in the tournament and challenge for his second Grand Slam title.

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