In the midst of his quest for glory at the 2025 Italian Open, Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s No. 3 tennis star, found time to immerse himself in Rome’s vibrant sporting culture by attending a thrilling Serie A showdown between Lazio and Juventus. The 22-year-old Spaniard, fresh off a commanding victory in his opening match, swapped the clay courts of Foro Italico for the electric atmosphere of the Stadio Olimpico, joining friends to cheer on Lazio alongside his close friend and Lazio defender Patric, a fellow Murcian sidelined by injury. This high-profile outing, captured in social media posts, showcased Alcaraz’s ability to balance the intensity of professional tennis with moments of joy and camaraderie.
Alcaraz’s visit to the Lazio-Juventus match on May 10, 2025, came a day after he launched his Italian Open campaign with a 6-3, 6-3 rout of Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic. The victory marked his return to competitive tennis after a forced withdrawal from the Madrid Open due to an adductor injury sustained in the Barcelona Open final. Wearing a brace on his right leg and a black nose strip, Alcaraz showed no signs of rust, firing 24 winners and moving with the explosive agility that has defined his meteoric rise. “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,” he said before the tournament, adding, “The practises were great so far. I’m in good shape. I’m 100 per cent ready to start the tournament.” His confidence was evident as he dispatched Lajovic in straight sets, improving his 2025 clay-court record to an impressive 10-1.
With a day off from the tournament on Saturday, Alcaraz seized the opportunity to explore Rome’s sporting and cultural offerings. “I’m going to watch Lazio, where a friend plays. Then, I’d like to take a walk and see the beauty of Rome, to enjoy it a bit,” he shared, hinting at his plans to unwind. Accompanied by his team, including his brother Álvaro and childhood friend Fran Rubio, Alcaraz was hosted by Patric, who posted on Instagram, “A pleasure to have attended the match of my Lazio in the company of many friends.” The tennis star’s presence at the match, a fiercely contested clash between two Italian football giants, underscored his love for the sport and his connection to Patric, a compatriot from Murcia who has carved out a career in Italy’s top flight.
This wasn’t Alcaraz’s first brush with Rome’s allure. During his 2023 Italian Open debut, he explored iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, charming fans with his boyish enthusiasm. However, that campaign ended in a shock third-round loss to world No. 135 Fabian Marozsan, a defeat Alcaraz took in stride, praising his opponent’s brilliance. “He surprised me a lot, his level was really high and I’m sure he will break the top 100 very soon,” he said at the time. Now, with four Grand Slam titles and six Masters 1000 trophies to his name, Alcaraz is a more seasoned competitor, chasing a second Masters 1000 title this season after triumphing in Monte-Carlo. A deep run in Rome could see him overtake Alexander Zverev for the No. 2 ranking, a strategic advantage ahead of the French Open.
Alcaraz’s next challenge is a third-round clash against either Alex Michelsen or Laslo Djere, with a potential quarter-final against Jack Draper looming. Yet, his off-court escapades reveal a grounded superstar who relishes life’s simple pleasures. His passion for football, rooted in his childhood as a Real Madrid fan, complements his tennis journey, offering a glimpse into the personality that has endeared him to fans worldwide. As he navigates the pressures of the ATP Tour, Alcaraz’s ability to embrace moments like a raucous soccer match in Rome reflects the joy and authenticity that fuel his brilliance on the court.
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