French Open: Carlos Alcaraz is Stefanos Tsitsipas’ ‘toughest opponent’ on clay right now, says Alex Corretja

Alex Corretja thinks it is going to be “very difficult” for Stefanos Tsitsipas to produce a quarter-final victory against Carlos Alcaraz at this year’s French Open.

Nevertheless, Corretja thinks the world No. 5 will see Alcaraz as his “toughest opponent on clay” right now because of their meeting in Barcelona.

He told Eurosport: “I think Stefanos feels more calm on the court, more aggressive and his forehand is working way better than before.

“Mentally he’s more prepared than in Barcelona which in my opinion he was not as happy on the court as he used to be.

“But this is different tennis, this is a different tournament but he will need to go out there thinking he can do it because he’s a real champion.

“But I think he’ll have the feeling in his mind that Carlos is his toughest opponent right now on clay.”

Alcaraz has only dropped one set at the French Open this year, too, but believes he will find Tsitsipas his hardest test so far at this year’s tournament.

“Lorenzo didn’t feel his tactics well or didn’t want to confront Carlos. I was expecting more rallies.

“I think Tsitsipas is going to be a different level. He’s got the belief, he’s played finals of Roland-Garros before.

“He’s played the final at the Australian Open this year. Even though in my opinion for Carlos it depends on his racquet, his mind and his movements.

“He looks very fresh and ready and I think it’s going to be very difficult to beat him.”

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