Alexandre Müller expeditious in the first round of Roland-Garros

A start like a dream for Alexandre Müller. The Frenchman (27 years old) won the first victory of his career in the final draw of Roland-Garros on Sunday, easily dominating Luca Nardi on court 7 (6-4, 6-1, 6-3, in 1h43′) . The 90th player in the world is now awaiting the identity of his opponent, who will be his compatriot Arthur Fils, seeded n°29, or another Italian, Matteo Arnaldi (meeting scheduled for Monday).

In a duel of players with similar profiles, Müller was particularly inspired. Well on his legs and absolutely not disturbed by changing conditions, between light rain, wind and bright sun, he was always on time to distribute the game, camped on his baseline.

He thus imposed constant pressure on Nardi, who had beaten him in their only two confrontations, but who was playing his first match in a major Grand Slam draw. It felt 5-4 against him in the first set, when he double-faulted and completely missed a drop shot to give the Ile-de-France player the set.

76% of points won behind Nardi’s second

Faller from Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells in March, Nardi seemed to brood over this absence throughout the second round, without managing to get his head back on track. Two double faults in a row to find themselves trailing 3-0, Müller as offensive as ever (76% of points won behind the Italian’s second ball!) and the games flew by. The recent eighth-finalist at the Masters 1000 in Rome even indulged in a few pranks, with well-hit lobs or a deliciously delivered high backhand volley.

This dynamic of confidence carried the Frenchman into the third set, concluded with a new break, like a symbol. “My game is based on my physique, I am a blocker, who likes to defend,” Müller said after the match. The terrain was a little slippery, which bothered us a little at first. But perhaps I knew how to adapt better. I think he was starting to get frustrated at the end of the match. I’ve always said it, I don’t do two meters, I don’t put two aces per play. I have to run on the field and that’s what I did well today (Sunday). » Enough to open up perspectives for the rest of the tournament.