Defending French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz delivered more than a tennis masterclass during his second-round match at Roland Garros on Wednesday. After defeating Hungary's Fabian Marozsan 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, the 22-year-old Spaniard surprised fans by fulfilling a long-held wish: leading a musical celebration on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Following a post-match interview with Mats Wilander, Alcaraz seized the microphone and sang the traditional Spanish paso doble refrain often chanted by crowds at the tournament. The moment culminated with spectators roaring "Ole!" in unison, capping an electric atmosphere that left both players and fans grinning.
"I always wanted to do that," said Alcaraz, who revealed he'd planned the gesture since last year's tournament. The four-time Grand Slam winner, now boasting 29 wins in his last 31 clay-court matches, added: "I hope people leave the court with a smile."
While Alcaraz advances to face Damir Dzumhur in the third round, two-time finalist Casper Ruud suffered a shock exit. The Norwegian, visibly hampered by a knee injury, lost 13 of 14 final games against Portugal's Nuno Borges (2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-0), marking his earliest Roland Garros departure since 2018.
Borges' victory makes him the first Portuguese man to reach the French Open's third round, adding a historic footnote to a day defined by Alcaraz's blend of athletic dominance and crowd-pleasing charm.
