What Carlos Alcaraz was overheard shouting about the French Open courts during his match with Damir Dzumhur

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Carlos Alcaraz was pushed close in his third-round match at the 2025 French Open.

The defending champion began his title defence with a convincing win, as Alcaraz took down Giulio Zeppieri in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

He was then met with a tougher test in round two, taking on Fabian Marozsan, the man who famously beat him at the Italian Open two years ago.

After a brief wobble in the second set, Alcaraz composed himself, winning 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Alcaraz was troubled once again in the third round when Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur bravely fought back after dropping the first two sets.

As Alcaraz tried to figure out the Dzumhur puzzle, he could be heard shouting to his team, complaining about the conditions on Philippe Chatrier.

Carlos Alcaraz complained Philippe Chatrier felt like a ‘grass’ court during his third-round match

During the match, a frustrated Alcaraz complained about the court conditions in Paris.

“This bounces and slides like crazy. I’m playing on grass,” he said.

After Alcaraz eased into a two-set lead 6-1, 6-3, his opponent, Dzumhur, stepped into another gear in the third, winning a set off the Spaniard.

An early break for the Bosnian in the fourth set sent alarm bells ringing for Alcaraz and his fans, as the world number 69 took control under the lights in Paris.

Eventually, Alcaraz regained the momentum, breaking Dzumhur twice to turn things around, sealing the win, 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

The four-time Major champion will now get set to take on America’s Ben Shelton in the fourth round.

Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton’s head-to-head record

Alcaraz and Shelton have played one another twice before on the ATP Tour, with the former emerging victorious on both occasions.

• 2024 Laver Cup RR – Carlos Alcaraz beat Ben Shelton, 6-4, 6-4
• 2023 Canadian Open 2R – Carlos Alcaraz beat Ben Shelton, 6-3, 7-6

The pair faced off for the first time at the Canadian Open, battling it out for a place in the third round.

Alcaraz secured the early break at 2-1 in the first, holding onto that advantage as he took a one-set lead.

There were no breaks of serve in the second set as Shelton pushed Alcaraz to a tiebreaker, coming up just short 3-6, 6-7 [3-7].

Their second meeting came one year later at the Laver Cup, with Alcaraz in need of a big win to help bring Team Europe level, as they trailed Team World 4-2.

Alcaraz was made to work hard for the first set, but got the job done, taking a 6-4 lead over Shelton.

Winning the second set by the same margin, Alcaraz extended his head-to-head lead over Shelton to 2-0, bringing Team Europe level with Team World in the process.

Alcaraz will surely be confident of scoring another win over Shelton when they take to the court for their fourth-round match at Roland Garros, but will be wary of the dangers the American poses.

Ben Shelton’s career-best French Open run

Regardless of what happens against Alcaraz, Shelton will have enjoyed his best-ever performance at the French Open in 2025.

In 2024, Shelton reached the third round, coming up short against Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets.

Qualifying for the French Open fourth round for the first time in his career, Shelton has impressed in Paris, even if he was helped by a fortunate walkover in round two.

• 2025 French Open 1R – Ben Shelton beat Lorenzo Sonego, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3
• 2025 French Open 2R – Ben Shelton advanced via walkover (Hugo Gaston withdrew)
• 2025 French Open 3R – Ben Shelton beat Matteo Gigante, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4

His win over Matteo Gigante in the third round was perhaps the best of his career in the French capital, making light work of the Italian youngster.

Making his way through to the fourth round, Shelton returned to his career-high of 12th in the Live Rankings and will no doubt hope to close in on a spot in the top ten with a win over Alcaraz.

Only time will tell if Shelton can produce another big win and extend his stay in Paris.

Alcaraz and Shelton will face off for a place in the quarterfinals on Sunday, June 1.