After securing his second-round victory at the French Open on Wednesday, Carlos Alcaraz treated fans to a special moment he’s long anticipated: a sing-along at Roland Garros.
The 22-year-old defending champion from Spain defeated Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan with a score of 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. Following a brief on-court interview with former player Mats Wilander on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Alcaraz had one more surprise in store for the cheering crowd.
“One thing, one thing. I always wanted to do that. I hope everyone can follow me,” Alcaraz said, leaning into the microphone with a grin.
He then led the audience in a familiar chant often echoed throughout Roland Garros. To the tune of a Spanish paso doble, he sang, “Po-po-po-po-po-po po-lolo,” pausing to let the crowd enthusiastically respond with an “Olé!”
Alcaraz, beaming, embraced Wilander before leaving the clay court amid loud applause. Later, he revealed that he had considered singing the chant after an interview at the tournament last year but hadn’t had the chance.
“I just love it here and had some really great moments,” Alcaraz shared. “I hope people leave the court with a smile.”
On the court, Alcaraz’s performance continues to dazzle. The four-time Grand Slam champion has won 29 of his last 31 matches on clay, showcasing his dominance on the surface.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz is set to face unseeded Damir Dzumhur in the third round.
In other matches, a physically struggling Casper Ruud was upset by Nuno Borges. The seventh seed, hindered by a left knee injury, lost 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-0. Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist, saw his earliest exit from the tournament since his debut in 2018. Despite medication to ease the pain, Ruud acknowledged his knee began troubling him early in the match.
Borges, ranked 41st, made history by becoming the first Portuguese man to reach the French Open’s third round.
