The sun-soaked clay courts of Rome’s Foro Italico buzzed with anticipation as Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 3 and reigning Wimbledon champion, made a triumphant return to competitive tennis at the Italian Open. On Friday, the 22-year-old Spaniard delivered a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory over Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic in his second-round match, marking his first appearance since an adductor injury forced him to withdraw from the Madrid Open last month. With a precautionary knee wrap hugging his right leg, Alcaraz moved with the agility and power that have defined his meteoric rise, leaving no doubt about his readiness. “I think I passed the test,” he declared post-match, a relieved smile breaking across his face as he reflected on a performance that silenced concerns about his physical condition.
Alcaraz’s journey to Rome was fraught with uncertainty. The thigh injury, sustained during a grueling Barcelona Open final against Holger Rune, sidelined him for Madrid, a tournament he’s won twice. As doubts swirled about his participation in the final clay-court Masters 1000 event before Roland Garros, Alcaraz and his team meticulously ramped up his training, culminating in an intense session that confirmed his recovery. “The body is feeling great,” he said, emphasizing the absence of pain during the match. “I made a few good sprints today without any pain. It was great. It was a treat for me.” His words reflected not just physical relief but the mental freedom to play without the shadow of injury lingering over every shot.
The match itself was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Alcaraz, who received a first-round bye as a top seed, wasted no time asserting dominance, racing to a 4-0 lead in the first set with a blend of blistering forehands and deft drop shots. Though Lajovic, a seasoned clay-courter, broke back when Alcaraz served for the set at 5-2, the Spaniard’s response was swift. He chased down a drop shot with cat-like speed, firing a backhand winner that electrified the Campo Centrale crowd. “I moved well,” Alcaraz noted, crediting his ability to sprint left and right without hesitation. The second set followed a similar script, with an early break giving him a 2-0 lead he never relinquished. His 24 winners—13 more than Lajovic’s—and 82-minute efficiency underscored a performance that was, as he admitted, “surprising for me a little bit.”
This victory, Alcaraz’s 25th of the 2025 season and his 10th in his last 11 matches, carries extra weight as he prepares to defend his French Open title later this month. Rome, where he suffered a shock third-round loss to Fabian Marozsan in 2023, has historically been a challenging stop. Yet, his Monte-Carlo title and Barcelona final this season signal a player in peak clay-court form. “I’m happy with this first match,” he said, exuding confidence. “The most important thing was to test myself, be able to play the way I want, and that was what happened.” His next challenge, either American Alex Michelsen or Serbia’s Laslo Djere, awaits in the third round, a stepping stone toward a potential final against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, whose return from a three-month absence adds intrigue to the tournament.
Off the court, Alcaraz’s charisma continues to captivate. His recent Netflix docuseries, Carlos Alcaraz: My Way, offered fans a glimpse into his journey, earning rave reviews despite his initial nerves about its reception. “I was nervous honestly because I didn’t know how it’s going to be for the people,” he shared before the tournament, delighted by the positive feedback. His connection with fans, evident in the Foro Italico’s cheers, is matched by his respect for rivals like Sinner, whom he hopes to face in a dream final. “I’m really happy to have him around again,” Alcaraz said of the Italian, highlighting their off-court friendship and on-court rivalry, which he leads 6-4.
As Alcaraz navigates Rome, his focus is clear: build rhythm, stay healthy, and peak for Roland Garros. “Trying to feel more comfortable on the court, moving without thinking about the injury,” he said, a mantra that guided his performance against Lajovic. With 10-1 clay record this season and a first-place standing in the ATP Race to Turin, Alcaraz is not just back—he’s a force. His Rome campaign, a critical prelude to Paris, promises more fireworks from a player whose blend of power, touch, and heart continues to redefine men’s tennis.
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