Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old tennis sensation from Spain, is ready to light up the clay courts of Rome at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, and he’s bringing his A-game. After a challenging few weeks sidelined by injury, the World No. 3 delivered an electrifying update on his fitness, declaring himself fully recovered and raring to go for his opening match on Friday. “I’m really happy to be here in Rome. It’s the second time that I’m going to play here, so I’m excited,” Alcaraz shared during a pre-tournament press conference, his trademark enthusiasm shining through. With the French Open looming, Alcaraz’s return to the Foro Italico is not just a comeback—it’s a statement of intent from a player hungry to reclaim his dominance on clay.
Alcaraz’s road to Rome hasn’t been without its hurdles. A nagging adductor injury, sustained during a grueling Barcelona Open final against Holger Rune, forced him to withdraw from the Madrid Open, a tournament he holds dear as a two-time champion. The setback, which included discomfort in both his right adductor and left hamstring, sparked concerns about his readiness for the clay season’s pinnacle at Roland Garros, where he aims to defend his 2024 French Open title. But Alcaraz, ever resilient, has spent the past weeks training rigorously in Murcia under the watchful eye of coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. “The practises were great so far. I’m in good shape. I’m 100 per cent ready to start the tournament,” he declared, dispelling doubts about his physical condition. To ensure extra precaution, Alcaraz has been spotted practicing with a compression sleeve on his leg, a measure he confirmed feels comfortable and will likely wear during matches.
The Rome Open marks only Alcaraz’s second appearance at the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event, having missed last year’s tournament due to a forearm injury. This time, he’s back with a vengeance, chasing his second Masters 1000 title of the season after a commanding victory in Monte-Carlo. Seeded third and currently leading the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, Alcaraz faces Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic in his opener, a match he’s eager to tackle. “So I just can’t wait for tomorrow,” he said, his excitement palpable. A strong performance in Rome could also see him leapfrog Alexander Zverev for the World No. 2 ranking, a strategic advantage that would keep him on the opposite side of the French Open draw from World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, potentially delaying a blockbuster clash until the Paris final.
Speaking of Sinner, Alcaraz was quick to celebrate the Italian’s return to the tour after a three-month absence. “It is great. I’m really happy to have him around again,” Alcaraz said, noting their 6-4 head-to-head rivalry. Sinner’s comeback in his home country adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament, and Alcaraz is relishing the prospect of a potential final. “Hopefully I’m going to meet him at the final,” he added, acknowledging the electric atmosphere Sinner’s presence will bring to Rome. For Alcaraz, watching his rival compete again is a treat for fans and players alike: “I’m really happy to see him, his team around. I think I’m going to enjoy watching him play again.”
Off the court, Alcaraz’s star continues to rise. His recent docuseries, Carlos Alcaraz: My Way, has captivated audiences, offering an intimate look at his journey from Murcia to global stardom. The three-part series, released last month, has only amplified his appeal, showcasing the humility and drive that define him. As he steps onto the Roman clay, Alcaraz is not just a player to watch—he’s a phenomenon, balancing ambition with caution, and ready to write the next chapter of his remarkable career.
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