Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish tennis sensation and world number three, has captured the hearts of Rome’s passionate tennis fans with his electrifying performance at the 2025 Italian Open. After a hard-fought 6-4, 6-4 victory over Britain’s Jack Draper in the quarterfinals on May 14, Alcaraz advanced to his first-ever Rome semifinal, a milestone that propelled him to the number two spot in the ATP rankings. As he prepares to face home favorite Lorenzo Musetti in the last four, Alcaraz shared a heartfelt verdict on the Foro Italico crowd, praising their unwavering support. “Well, I think the people here are incredibly good,” he said, his words resonating with gratitude for the electric atmosphere that has fueled his run.
Alcaraz’s journey in Rome has been a testament to his resilience and clay-court mastery. Returning from a hamstring and groin injury that forced him to miss the Madrid Open, he started his campaign with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 win over Dusan Lajovic, moving sharply despite a brace on his right leg. He followed with a 7-6(2), 6-2 victory against Laslo Djere and a grueling 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 battle against Karen Khachanov, showcasing his ability to adapt under pressure. Against Draper, the fifth-ranked Brit who had defeated him in the Indian Wells semifinals in March, Alcaraz exacted revenge with relentless aggression. “I played with such a high rhythm during the whole match and didn’t let him dominate in the rallies,” he noted, crediting his tactical approach for the win. His 28th victory of 2025, a tour-leading mark, secured a top-two seeding for the French Open, where he’ll defend his 2024 title starting May 25.
The Rome crowd has been a driving force behind Alcaraz’s success. Known for their fervor, Italian fans have embraced the four-time Grand Slam champion, cheering his spectacular forehands and deft drop shots. “I just tried to do the shots in the game that I like playing, that I like to do. Try to smile, have joy on the court,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on his mindset against Draper. His infectious energy—evident in moments like a viral social media photo capturing his intensity mid-match—has endeared him to spectators. Fans online have been effusive, with one posting, “Carlos brings such passion to Rome—the crowd loves him!” Another wrote, “That aura in his game is unreal,” referencing the iconic image that sent supporters into a frenzy.
Alcaraz’s appreciation for the fans comes at a pivotal moment. His semifinal clash with Musetti, the Italian who stunned defending champion Alexander Zverev 7-6(1), 6-4, promises a raucous atmosphere. Musetti, buoyed by a 10-2 clay record this season, will have the home crowd’s full support, but Alcaraz is no stranger to hostile environments. “I’m just excited to keep it going and try to compete as well as I can,” he said, emphasizing his focus on maintaining rhythm ahead of Roland Garros. The head-to-head favors Alcaraz 4-1, including a comeback win in the 2025 Monte Carlo final, but Musetti’s recent form and local backing make this a tantalizing matchup.
The Spaniard’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. After a quarterfinal loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, he claimed his first indoor title in Rotterdam and his sixth Masters 1000 crown in Monte Carlo. Injuries, however, disrupted his clay swing, with an adductor issue sidelining him in Barcelona and Madrid. Rome has been a turning point, with Alcaraz noting, “I’m happy to be feeling in a good rhythm again on clay in Rome. This match gave me a lot of confidence.” His 11th Masters 1000 semifinal, a record for players born since 2000, underscores his dominance, with a 65.6% win rate against top-five opponents trailing only Bjorn Borg in the Open Era.
As Alcaraz eyes his first Rome title, the fans’ support could be a game-changer. Their energy mirrors the passion he brings to the court, a synergy he thrives on. “I think the most important thing that I did today was not thinking about the shots at all,” he said, highlighting his focus on enjoyment over pressure. With the French Open on the horizon, Alcaraz’s Rome run—bolstered by the Foro Italico faithful—positions him as a formidable contender. Whether he overcomes Musetti’s challenge or not, his love for the game and connection with fans have made this Italian Open a defining chapter in his remarkable career.
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