Carlos Alcaraz made a triumphant return following his injury recovery, defeating Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-3 at the Italian Open on Friday.
The world number three had previously pulled out of the Madrid Open, citing an upper right leg issue that impacted his performance in the Barcelona Open final, along with a left leg concern.
Alcaraz competed against Lajovic whilst wearing a black support that covered his upper right leg, extending just below his knee.
"The body felt great," Alcaraz said. "I just moved well. I made a few good sprints today without any pain. ... It was a test for me so I think I passed the test today."
"It was a great performance, great level, which was surprising for me a little bit, but just really happy for that," Alcaraz added.
After winning the initial four games, Alcaraz lost his serve while attempting to finish the first set at 5-2. He regained control by breaking back, showcasing his court abilities at the Foro Italico with an impressive backhand winner following a drop shot.
The second set progressed similarly, with Alcaraz establishing an early advantage. He registered 24 winners and 24 unforced errors during the match.
Following his Monte Carlo Masters victory in April, Alcaraz's clay court statistics this season improved to 10-1. His next challenge will be against either 31st-seed Alex Michelsen or Laslo Djere.
The Grand Slam champion is readying himself to defend his French Open title, starting May 25.
The Rome tournament also signals top-ranked Jannik Sinner 's return after a three-month suspension for doping.
The tournament structure positions Sinner and Alcaraz in different sections.
Sinner begins his competition against world number 99 Mariano Navone on Saturday.
In the women's division, world number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 6-2.
This victory follows Sabalenka's success against Coco Gauff in Madrid's final last weekend.
During evening matches, Gauff recovered from a slow beginning to defeat Canadian qualifier Victoria Mboko, ranked 156th, 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.
Mboko, aged 18, who achieved semi-final positions at both Wimbledon and U.S. Open junior tournaments in 2022, initially challenged Gauff with steady baseline play.
The world number three had previously pulled out of the Madrid Open, citing an upper right leg issue that impacted his performance in the Barcelona Open final, along with a left leg concern.
Alcaraz competed against Lajovic whilst wearing a black support that covered his upper right leg, extending just below his knee.
"The body felt great," Alcaraz said. "I just moved well. I made a few good sprints today without any pain. ... It was a test for me so I think I passed the test today."
"It was a great performance, great level, which was surprising for me a little bit, but just really happy for that," Alcaraz added.
After winning the initial four games, Alcaraz lost his serve while attempting to finish the first set at 5-2. He regained control by breaking back, showcasing his court abilities at the Foro Italico with an impressive backhand winner following a drop shot.
The second set progressed similarly, with Alcaraz establishing an early advantage. He registered 24 winners and 24 unforced errors during the match.
Following his Monte Carlo Masters victory in April, Alcaraz's clay court statistics this season improved to 10-1. His next challenge will be against either 31st-seed Alex Michelsen or Laslo Djere.
The Grand Slam champion is readying himself to defend his French Open title, starting May 25.
CIAO ROMA! 🤌🏻🥰🧱
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) May 9, 2025
📸 Getty pic.twitter.com/6H8ynrYteA
The Rome tournament also signals top-ranked Jannik Sinner 's return after a three-month suspension for doping.
The tournament structure positions Sinner and Alcaraz in different sections.
Sinner begins his competition against world number 99 Mariano Navone on Saturday.
In the women's division, world number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 6-2.
This victory follows Sabalenka's success against Coco Gauff in Madrid's final last weekend.
During evening matches, Gauff recovered from a slow beginning to defeat Canadian qualifier Victoria Mboko, ranked 156th, 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.
Mboko, aged 18, who achieved semi-final positions at both Wimbledon and U.S. Open junior tournaments in 2022, initially challenged Gauff with steady baseline play.
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