World number one Carlos Alcaraz issued an early warning to his rivals as the Spaniard began his quest for a second Grand Slam title by easing past Italian qualifier Flavio Cobolli 6-0 6-2 7-5 in the French Open first round on Monday.
The 20-year-old has already cemented his status as a top contender on the biggest stages and is one of the favourites to take on the mantle of his compatriot and 14-times Roland Garros champion Rafa Nadal, who is absent this year with a hip issue.
Alcaraz, who missed the Australian Open in January due to a leg injury, was impressive in his first Grand Slam match since his U.S. Open triumph last year and was ruthless as he raced through the opening set. Alcaraz comfortably served out to go two sets up but the 159th-ranked Cobolli held his own and threatened to mount a late fightback as he broke to level the third set at 5-5 with some ripping forehands.
Up next for Alcaraz is Japan's Taro Daniel who eased past Australian Christopher O'Connell 6-0 6-2 6-4.
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