Carlos Alcaraz dug in deep to keep his French Open title defence alive after battling past Damir Dzumhur across four thrilling sets at Roland-Garros on Friday. 

Alcaraz, who trailed by a break early in the fourth set, regained his composure to see out a 6-1 6-3 4-6 6-4 victory in three hours and 14 minutes. 

The Spaniard's reward is an enticing fourth round clash against Ben Shelton, who beat Matteo Gigante in straight sets earlier in the day. 

Alcaraz stormed to the first set in just 27 minutes, following that up with another ruthless display in the second as a place in the fourth round appeared set in stone. 

But Dzumhur roared back in the third set, breaking the second seed in the seventh game, going on to save all the six break points he faced to ensure the match continued. 

The Bosnian took that momentum into the fourth set and opened with a break of serve, but Alcaraz assumed control of the contest despite a late break from Dzumhur. 

Alcaraz sealed his progression at the second time of asking, with Dzumhur sending a forehand inches long. 

Defending champ locks his place in R4 #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Rd04BcvXsj

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 30, 2025

Earlier on Friday, 10th seed Holger Rune survived a five-set encounter against Quentin Halys, an enthralling meeting that was overshadowed by crowd trouble during the match. 

Rune asked for a fan to be kicked out of the stands multiple times after a confrontation while grabbing his towel from the courtside box, but he was able to regain his focus. 

The Dane emerged a 4-6 6-2 5-7 7-5 6-2 victor, becoming the youngest player to reach the men's singles last 16 in each of his first four appearances at Roland-Garros since Rafael Nadal in 2008.

Data Debrief: Alcaraz's Roland-Garros love story continues

Alcaraz has registered his 21st win in men's singles at Roland Garros, making it the ATP-level event at which he has the most wins in his career, one more than Indian Wells (20).

He now has a 30-2 record on clay since last May, highlighted by his maiden Roland-Garros title and a run to the silver medal in the Paris Olympics. 

Four-time major champion Alcaraz has also now reached at least the fourth round in 11 of his past 12 grand slam appearances, only failing to do so at last year's US Open.