As the red clay of Rome’s Foro Italico prepares to host the 2025 Italian Open, Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish tennis phenom, has dispelled concerns about his physical condition with a confident update ahead of his second-round opener on May 9, 2025. The world No. 3, who withdrew from the Madrid Open due to an adductor injury sustained during the Barcelona Open final, assured fans and pundits alike that he is back to full fitness for his second appearance at the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event. “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 declared during a pre-tournament press conference, radiating enthusiasm. “The practices were great so far. I’m in good shape. I’m 100 per cent ready to start the tournament.”
Alcaraz’s journey to Rome has been marked by both triumph and tribulation. His 2025 clay season began with a commanding title run at the Monte-Carlo Masters, where he showcased his explosive forehands and deft court coverage to claim his sixth Masters 1000 crown. However, a grueling 10-match stretch in 12 days culminated in a 7-6(6), 2-6 loss to Holger Rune in the Barcelona final, where discomfort in his right adductor and left hamstring forced him to prioritize recovery over defending his Madrid titles from 2022 and 2023. “I’m not really worried about it,” Alcaraz said at the time, projecting optimism about a swift recovery. “I believe it’s going to take one week, one week and a half, two weeks maximum, but I won’t have doubts about coming back and moving 100% again.”
True to his word, Alcaraz returned to training in Murcia under the watchful eye of coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, gradually ramping up intensity. Medical tests conducted on April 30 confirmed the adductor injury had healed, with no lingering pain reported during high-intensity sessions. “My mindset is to do everything it takes to be a hundred percent for Rome,” he had vowed after withdrawing from Madrid, a decision driven by the need to protect his French Open title defense, set to begin on May 25. His preparation included practice matches with top players like Alexander Zverev and Alex de Minaur, ensuring he arrived in Rome battle-ready. “I just can’t wait for tomorrow,” Alcaraz added, his excitement palpable as he prepares to face Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic in his opening match.
The stakes in Rome are high for Alcaraz, who is chasing not only his second Masters 1000 title of the season but also a potential leap in the ATP rankings. Currently first in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin, a semi-final run could see him overtake world No. 2 Alexander Zverev, securing the No. 2 seed at Roland Garros and avoiding a showdown with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner until the final. Sinner’s return to the tour after a three-month doping suspension adds intrigue to the tournament, and Alcaraz was effusive in his support. “It’s great. I’m really happy to have him around again,” he said, noting the electric atmosphere Sinner’s homecoming will bring. “I think there isn’t a better place to come back than here in his home, in Rome.”
Alcaraz’s lone prior appearance in Rome, in 2023, ended in a shock third-round loss to Fabian Marozsan, hampered by a forearm injury. Now, with a 24-5 season record and a 9-1 clay-court win rate in 2025, he’s determined to make a deeper run. His docuseries, Carlos Alcaraz: My Way, released last month, has further elevated his global profile, offering fans a glimpse into his relentless drive. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself, I don’t want to take anything for granted, but I think we’ll be confident for Roland Garros,” he said, balancing ambition with humility. As Alcaraz steps onto Rome’s clay, his fitness, focus, and flair signal a player poised to dazzle—and perhaps dominate—in the Eternal City.
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