French Open: Tim Henman says ‘faultless’ Carlos Alcaraz revelled in ‘party atmosphere’ against Flavio Cobolli

Carlos Alcaraz enjoyed the ‘party atmosphere’ of his opening French Open match more than anyone else, according to Eurosport expert Tim Henman, who applauded a ‘faultless’ win over Flavio Cobolli.

Alcaraz came flying out of the blocks by winning the first eight games in a row against the bewildered Italian, and former British No. 1 Henman was impressed.

“I think [he was] brilliant. He came out and wanted to set the tone early,” Henman said in The Cube as part of Eurosport’s exclusive French Open coverage.

“He’s a massive favourite and in the first round, we talk about sometimes how it’s a little bit tricky, but he was faultless.

“For two sets and then up in the third set, he barely put a foot wrong.”

Henman added: “[He] is just so exciting…it’s like a party atmosphere out there and it seems Alcaraz is the one enjoying that party the most. It’s incredible to watch.”

Fellow pundit Mats Wilander was court-side at Suzanne Lenglen to take in the match, and was left singing the praises of both players for a hugely entertaining third set.

Cobolli responded to his slow start by pushing Alcaraz hard in the third, saving three match points and pumping up the crowd before ultimately succumbing.

“The comeback from Flavio was incredible and the level of tennis in that third set was absolutely incredible,” Wilander said.

“The shot-making skills from both of them – unbelievable. The enjoyment on the faces from both of them – also incredible.

“And to have the crowd shouting for Flavio the whole time, still understanding that we can’t upset Carlos – because he’s the one we really want to watch – but it was an amazing atmosphere.”

Henman didn’t believe there was anything for Alcaraz to worry about despite the apparent drop in his level in the third set compared to the first two against the world No. 159.

“Perhaps a little bit of lost concentration, perhaps he thought the match was over,” Henman said.

“He had 0-40 at 5-3 and might have thought this is done and dusted. It just goes to show, he lost seven points in a row and suddenly from being at match point he was back on serve at 5-5.

“But credit to his opponent, he really thrived in that atmosphere. Even when he lost the first eight games he was celebrating when he won that first game. I think he showed a great attitude and made it a little bit trickier in the third set.

“But Alcaraz looked so comfortable out there, it was like he regrouped at 5-5, broke again and served it out.”

– – –