French Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz vs Giulio Zeppieri preview, head-to-head, prediction and pick | Roland Garros
Match Details
Fixture: (2) Carlos Alcaraz vs Giulio Zeppieri
Date: May 26, 2025
Tournament: French Open 2025
Round: First Round
Venue: Roland Garros, Paris, France
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Clay (outdoor)
Prize Money: €56,352,000
Live Telecast: USA – Tennis Channel | UK – SkySports | Canada - TSN
Carlos Alcaraz vs Giulio Zeppieri preview
The defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was scheduled to play against Kei Nishikori in the first round of the French Open 2025, but the Japanese player withdrew due to his hip injury. The World No. 2 will now lock horns with qualifier Giulio Zeppieri in the first round of Roland Garros.
Alcaraz had a stellar clay-court season so far, winning three titles, which include the Monte-Carlo Masters, Barcelona Open and Italian Open. He had to withdraw from his home tournament in Madrid due to a Groin injury but made a fine comeback in Rome. He defeated the World No. 1, Jannik Sinner, in the final 7-6(5), 6-1 to claim his maiden title in Italy.
The 22-year-old is most certainly the favourite to win the title in Paris.
On the other hand, Giulio Zeppieri entered the main draw as a qualifier after winning three matches in the qualification rounds. The 23-year-old did not face any major difficulties in the preliminary phase, as he defeated each of his opponents in straight sets. He defeated Jan Choinski in the first round, and Eliot Spizziri and Federico Augustin Gomez in the next rounds, respectively.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Giulio Zeppieri head-to-head
Alcaraz and Zeppieri have faced each other once on the ATP tour. Their only meeting came at Umag in 2022 in the semifinal round, where Alcaraz defeated Zeppieri in three sets, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. Therefore, the head-to-head record stands at 1-0 in favor of Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Giulio Zeppieri odds
(Odds to be updated when available)
Carlos Alcaraz vs Giulio Zeppieri prediction
Alcaraz is by far the best player on clay among the current active players. He has won 10 titles on the surface, including one Roland Garros and four ATP 1000 titles, and has an exceptional win percentage of 83 per cent. The Spaniard’s heavy topspin forehand and tactical variety are lethal for anyone on the surface. Additionally, his movement on the red dirt and acceleration during rallies certainly give him an edge over the Italian.
Meanwhile, Zeppieri will rely on his strengths, which are a strong baseline game and decent movement for a slow surface like clay. He will look to sustain himself in the rallies and capitalize on any early openings in the opponent’s game. His left-handedness will come in handy on the surface, which can certainly create problems for Alcaraz.
Alcaraz has all the capabilities to counter Zeppieri’s strengths. This should be a straightforward victory for him.
Pick: Carlos Alcaraz to win in straight sets