Under the golden glow of Rome’s Foro Italico, Carlos Alcaraz delivered a masterclass in resilience, defeating Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-3 in the second round of the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia. The 22-year-old Spaniard, making his comeback after a right leg injury forced him to miss the Madrid Open, showcased his trademark flair and physicality on the clay courts. The one-hour, 22-minute victory was more than a step forward in the tournament—it was a personal milestone for Alcaraz, who revealed he had passed a critical test of his recovery. After the match, he celebrated by soaking in the electric atmosphere of a Lazio vs. Inter Milan Serie A game, blending his love for tennis and football in true Alcaraz fashion.
From the outset, Alcaraz was in control against Lajovic, a seasoned 34-year-old ranked No. 64. The world No. 3 surged to a 5-1 lead in the first set with two breaks of serve, his blistering forehand and relentless court coverage setting the tone. Despite Lajovic breaking back once, Alcaraz sealed the set in 43 minutes with a third break, firing 24 winners to his opponent’s 11 across the match. The second set saw him maintain his dominance, breaking early for a 2-0 lead and closing out the victory with poise. “The body is feeling great,” Alcaraz said post-match, his voice brimming with confidence. “After today’s match, I think I moved well. I made a few good sprints today without any pain. It was a treat for me. I think I passed the test.”
The “test” Alcaraz referred to was both physical and mental. Sidelined by an adductor injury from the Barcelona Open final, he had faced uncertainty entering Rome. “Trying to feel more comfortable on the court, moving without thinking about the injury,” he explained, highlighting his focus on regaining trust in his body. His performance—marked by crisp movement and explosive shot-making—proved he’s back to his best. With a 10-1 clay-court record this season, including a Monte-Carlo Masters title, Alcaraz is peaking at the right moment as he prepares to defend his French Open crown.
Rome’s passionate crowd, coupled with the tournament’s historic ambiance, provided the perfect stage for Alcaraz’s return. “I think today was a really good day at the office,” he said, grinning. “Hopefully tomorrow and Sunday is going to be better.” His optimism is well-founded: Alcaraz’s 24-5 record in 2025, bolstered by two titles, positions him as a favorite to go deep in the draw. A semi-final run could see him overtake Alexander Zverev for the world No. 2 ranking, adding extra stakes to his campaign.
Beyond the court, Alcaraz’s evening took a joyful turn as he attended the Lazio-Inter Milan match at the Stadio Olimpico. A lifelong Real Madrid supporter, he’s no stranger to football’s allure. “I love playing in front of my people, in front of my family, my friends,” he said earlier this year, a sentiment that extends to his appreciation for sports culture. The outing was a fitting reward for a player who balances intense competition with an infectious zest for life, as seen in his Netflix docuseries, Carlos Alcaraz: My Way.
The road ahead in Rome is fraught with challenges. Alcaraz’s third-round opponent will be either Alex Michelsen or Laslo Djere, with potential clashes against Jack Draper, Holger Rune, or Zverev looming. A blockbuster final against Jannik Sinner, who recently returned from a doping suspension, would captivate fans. Alcaraz welcomed Sinner’s comeback, saying, “For me it’s great to have him back. Honestly, I’m gonna say I need him on the tour. Because he pushes me to be a better player, to give my 100% every day.” Their rivalry, evenly split at 5-5, promises fireworks if they meet.
As Alcaraz left the Foro Italico for the football stands, he carried the momentum of a champion rediscovering his groove. With his body tested and his spirit soaring, the Spaniard is poised to light up Rome—and the clay season—once more.
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