World No.5 Stefanos Tsitsipas will be downing red wine, munching on baguettes and smiling a lot in Paris, hoping this will lead to success at the French Open.

Tsitsipas was made to work hard for more than three hours to book his spot in the second round with a 7-5 6-3 4-6 7-6(7) win over Czech Jiri Vesely.

The Greek, runner-up in Paris in 2021, did not expect the kind of resistance offered by a player ranked 445th in the world following a lengthy injury absence, and had to save four set points in the fourth to avoid a decider on Sunday.

“Today’s win is very important for me,” said Tsitsipas, who has not enjoyed his best clay court season. “I felt at times I was not going to the ball, I was staying still. When I took charge that was the moment I made that switch and won the match.”

When asked about his plan to go deep in the tournament, the Greek replied: “Plenty of red wine and baguettes would help to do well in Paris.”

Respect for Alcaraz

But his biggest change in Paris will be in his attitude.

Tsitsipas, known for his occasional outbursts during matches even directed at his own team, said he was a great admirer of top seed Carlos Alcaraz’s sunny approach to the game.

Alcaraz, at 20, is four years younger than Tsitsipas, but the Greek said it was the Spaniard’s constant smiles and charisma that he found impressive.

“I owe a lot to Carlitos, because he’s such a breath of fresh air. That contributed to his growth as a tennis player. I kind of admire him for who he is,” Tsitsipas said.

Alcaraz took the tennis world by storm as a teenager in 2022, winning the US Open title along with claiming the No.1 spot.

“He seems to be enjoying it, having fun. I have the capacity to be that person. I truly believe it,” said Tsitsipas, who battled past Jiri Vesely in four sets to move into the second round.

“That’s the reason I am much more joyful and happy playing this sport, due to him.”

Kokkinakis upsets seed

The first seeded man to bow out was No.20 Dan Evans, eliminated 6-4 6-4 6-4 by wild-card entry Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Russian Karen Khachanov defeated local favourite Constant Lestienne 3-6 1-6 6-2 6-1 6-3 and the 11th seed was joined in the second round by Polish 13th seed Hurkacz who battled past David Goffin 6-3 5-7 6-4 2-6 6-4.

Monte Carlo champion Andrey Rublev, the seventh seed, overcame a mid-match wobble to beat Laslo Djere 6-1 3-6 6-3 6-4.

Sebastian Korda, who missed three months after hurting his wrist at the Australian Open, was a straight-set winner in an all-American matchup against Mackenzie McDonald, the last player to face – and beat – Rafael Nadal.

There will be an unfamiliar feel to this year’s tournament, with holder and 14-times winner Rafa Nadal out injured.

Novak Djokovic, who is bidding for his third French Open title and a men’s record 23rd major crown, takes on Aleksandar Kovacevic on Monday. Spanish top seed Alcaraz will also be in action against Flavio Cobolli.

with AP