Carlos Alcaraz said being the top seed at the French Open was “crazy”, something he would not have believed years ago, but the Spaniard will not dwell too much on his position heading into the year’s second grand slam.

Alcaraz will reclaim the No. 1 ranking after beating Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-4, 6-1 in the second round at the Italian Open. He will pass Novak Djokovic for the top spot when the rankings are next published on May 22 — ensuring he will get the No. 1 seeding at the French Open, which starts on May 28.

Alcaraz, who turned 20 this month, captured the US Open title in September to become the youngest man to top the world rankings.

“It’s great to be the No.1 seed at Roland Garros, in a grand slam, it’s something crazy,” Alcaraz said on Saturday. “I wouldn’t have believed it years ago, but yes, I’m very happy.

“It doesn’t change too much to be the No.1 or No. 2 seed — I just focus on the tournament, on my game, on every match, and that’s something that I try not to think about.

“But of course, it’s something great.”

Alcaraz overcame an injury-hit start to 2023 and has already claimed four titles, including claycourt crowns in Buenos Aires, Barcelona and Madrid, to emerge as one of the top contenders for the trophy in Paris.

“I grew up a lot in a year,” Alcaraz said of his meteoric rise. “I have more experience. I have played great matches. I grew up thanks to that a lot. I’m more mature as well.

“I would say in just a year I’m a totally different player. I read the match better than last year. I would say this year is totally different for me.”

Alcaraz overcame an early loss of serve amid heavy conditions at the Foro Italico to level up the opening set at 2-2.

The 20-year-old, who had a first-round bye, earned another opportunity to break Ramos-Vinolas with a deft drop shot in an intense 10th game and took the advantage in the match when his compatriot cracked under pressure and sent a forehand long.

Alcaraz continued to build momentum and raced ahead 3-0 in the second set against a fading Ramos-Vinolas, wrapping up the match on serve to make it 12 wins in a row.

“It wasn’t easy,” said Alcaraz. “The first round of every tournament is really tough and, of course, Ramos-Vinolas is a specialist on clay. I had to adapt my game quickly to be able to go through.”

Monte Carlo champion Andrey Rublev earlier overcame Alex Molcan 6-3, 6-4 in a twice rain-interrupted match to book his place in thethird round.

“I’m happy that I was able to finish just before the rain,” Rublev said as the showers arrived again following the clash. “I can rest now and I can rest tomorrow (Sunday). I don’t need to stress waiting until the afternoon.”

Garcia shocked

Qualifier Camila Osorio served up another shock in the women’s draw after her win over 29th seed Petra Martic, when the Colombian downed world No. 4 Caroline Garcia 6-4 6-4 to make the round of 16.

Sofia Kenin’s resurgent run came to an end as the former Australian Open champion failed to find a way past Anhelina Kalinina to lose 6-4, 6-2.

China’s Wang Xiyu reached her first round of 16 at a WTA 1000 event by edging past Taylor Townsend 6-2, 0-6, 7-5.