This was nearly the precise reverse of third seed Alcaraz’s dominant first-round win in opposition to fortunate loser JJ Wolf.
The 21-year-old nonetheless had a compression sleeve on his proper forearm – an damage which impacted his preparations for Roland Garros – and his lack of match apply confirmed.
After a comparatively simple first two units, it was as if Alcaraz’s focus started to float, typically following a great shot with one which sailed extensive or discovered the web.
He made 47 unforced errors, most of which got here within the third set as he shortly went a double break down.
It regarded as if the match may get even trickier for Alcaraz as he was instantly damaged firstly of the fourth set, as soon as once more on an extended forehand.
Nevertheless, he appeared to re-engage within the subsequent sport as he obtained to 30-30 on the De Jong serve. His group did their greatest to encourage him and, as De Jong despatched a forehand into the web, Alcaraz appeared extra like himself.
The 2 traded breaks as soon as once more, with the set degree at 2-2 earlier than Alcaraz pulled away, helped by a tiring De Jong, who beat Britain’s Jack Draper in 5 units within the first spherical.
Alcaraz will, howeve, know that more durable checks await as he makes an attempt to safe a 3rd main title.
“The vitality that I acquired from the individuals to neglect in regards to the third set and be at my greatest within the fourth set was actually useful to me,” he added.