Alcaraz Aims to Ease Injury Concerns with Strong Start at Roland Garros

World number three Carlos Alcaraz (21) returns to the French Open, eager to move past the severe cramps that halted his title bid in 2023. However, he must first address lingering doubts from a recent injury as he faces J.J. Wolf on Sunday.

Last year, Alcaraz’s semi-final against eventual champion Novak Djokovic was anticipated as a titanic clash but ended disappointingly when the Spaniard succumbed to cramps on the Philippe Chatrier court.

Returning to the same venue, Alcaraz is now free of pain after a right forearm injury forced him out of Monte Carlo and Barcelona, disrupting his Madrid title defense. Despite his recovery, some doubts remain.

“I’m not feeling any pain in practice when I step on the court. But I’m still thinking about it when hitting forehands. I’m a little bit scared about hitting every forehand 100%,” said Alcaraz, who also skipped the Italian Open in Rome ahead of Roland Garros.

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“I come to this tournament with not as many matches as I wanted, but I’m focusing on the practice… I’m getting rhythm, I’m getting confidence in practice that is really important and I think I don’t need too many matches to get to 100%.”

Wolf, ranked 107th in the world, has never progressed past the first round of the French Open. This could provide the perfect opportunity for Alcaraz to make a strong start in his quest for a third Grand Slam title.

Several other notable players will also begin their campaigns, with four-time major champion Naomi Osaka kicking off proceedings on the main showcourt against Italian Lucia Bronzetti.

Clay has never been Osaka’s best surface, and the former world number one, who returned this year after a maternity break, admits to feeling nervous.

“I know anyone that’s playing this tournament is a really tough opponent. Plus it’s a first round of a Grand Slam,” Osaka told reporters.

“I’m usually nervous during those first-round matches. So I’m going in there trying my best and seeing if all the lessons I’ve learned so far have adapted me into a better player.”

Jelena Ostapenko hopes to continue her strong season start against Jaqueline Cristian, while former champion Stan Wawrinka will face 2016 runner-up Andy Murray in the evening session for a spot in the second round.

French fans will have plenty to cheer for with the likes of Caroline Garcia, Ugo Humbert, and Richard Gasquet in action on the opening day.