As the clay courts of Rome’s Foro Italico prepare to host the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, all eyes are on Carlos Alcaraz, the World No. 3, who returns to the ATP Masters 1000 event with a point to prove. After withdrawing from the Madrid Open due to a right adductor injury sustained in the Barcelona Open final, the 21-year-old Spaniard has confirmed his participation in Rome, marking a critical step in his quest to defend his French Open title later this month. The draw, unveiled on May 5, 2025, presents a formidable gauntlet for Alcaraz, with potential matchups against seasoned veterans and rising stars, setting the stage for a dramatic clay-court showdown.
Alcaraz, a two-time Grand Slam champion, begins his campaign with a first-round bye as the third seed. His second-round match pits him against either Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka or Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, both capable of testing his rustiness after a three-week hiatus. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I think we’ll be confident for Roland Garros, and we’re going to try to be in Rome,” Alcaraz said after his Madrid withdrawal, signaling his determination to regain match rhythm. A win here could lead to a third-round clash with American Alex Michelsen, fresh off a Challenger title in Estoril, or seasoned clay-courters Laslo Djere or Tomás Martín Etcheverry. While these early rounds appear navigable, they are crucial for Alcaraz to rediscover the form that saw him win Monte Carlo earlier this season.
The challenges escalate in the fourth round, where Alcaraz could face Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov, Russia’s Karen Khachanov, or Italy’s Matteo Sonego. Dimitrov, a former Top 10 player, brings finesse and experience, while Khachanov’s powerful baseline game poses a threat on clay. “It’s a privilege for me to return to Barcelona, which I feel was and is my home,” Alcaraz said earlier this year, a sentiment that extends to Rome, where he aims to connect with fans after missing last year’s event due to a forearm injury. A deep run is vital not only for confidence but also for his battle with Alexander Zverev for the No. 2 ranking, which would ensure a more favorable French Open draw.
The quarterfinals present a potential showdown with Britain’s Jack Draper, who reached the Madrid final, or Denmark’s Holger Rune, against whom Alcaraz lost in Barcelona. Both players are part of the ATP’s new guard, with Draper’s heavy lefty serve and Rune’s relentless energy making them dangerous on clay. “I think we’re in a very good moment, in the sense that there are a lot of young players capable of winning big titles,” Alcaraz noted, acknowledging the rise of talents like Rune and Miami champion Jakub Mensik. Advancing to the semifinals could pit him against defending champion Zverev, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, who recently cracked the Top 10, or Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, a two-time Monte Carlo winner. Zverev, in particular, is a daunting prospect, given his 1000-point title defense and their competitive 2024 French Open final.
Should Alcaraz reach the final, a blockbuster clash with World No. 1 Jannik Sinner looms. Sinner, returning after a three-month doping ban, headlines the opposite half of the draw, ensuring no meeting until the championship match. Other potential finalists include Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, or Madrid champion Casper Ruud, each bringing distinct challenges. “My hope is to play in Rome. If not, the next tournament is Roland Garros for me,” Alcaraz emphasized, underscoring the importance of this event as a barometer for his Parisian prospects.
Rome holds added significance for Alcaraz, who has yet to win the title despite his clay-court pedigree. With Rafael Nadal’s record of 10 titles looming large, the young Spaniard aims to etch his name into the tournament’s storied history. His 24-5 record in 2025, bolstered by titles in Monte Carlo and Rotterdam, reflects his versatility, but injuries have tested his resilience. The Italian Open, with its passionate crowds and rich tradition, offers a chance to silence doubters and build momentum. As Alcaraz navigates this treacherous draw, his blend of charisma, power, and determination will be key to conquering Rome and setting the tone for Roland Garros.
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