Carlos Alcaraz is back in action and fully fit after recovering from an adductor injury that forced him to miss the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid. The 22-year-old Spaniard will begin his campaign at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome on Friday against Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic.
Speaking at his pre-tournament press conference on Thursday, Alcaraz shared his excitement.
“I’m really happy to be here in Rome. It’s my second time playing here, so I’m excited,” he said. “Practices have gone well. I’m in great shape. I’m 100 percent ready to start the tournament. I just can’t wait for tomorrow.”
Alcaraz is chasing his second ATP Masters 1000 title of the year after winning in Monte-Carlo. To claim the trophy in Rome, he may need to face Italy’s Jannik Sinner, who is returning to the Tour for the first time since the Australian Open.
Alcaraz welcomed Sinner’s return.
“It’s great. I’m really happy to have him back,” he said. “It’s been three months, and I’m sure it felt long for him. There’s no better place to return than here in his home, Rome.”
Alcaraz and Sinner are on opposite sides of the draw. “Hopefully, we meet in the final,” Alcaraz added. “It’s always fun to watch him play.”
Off the court, Alcaraz has also made headlines with the release of his docuseries Carlos Alcaraz: My Way. The three-part series, released last month, has received positive feedback.
“I was nervous because I didn’t know how people would react,” he admitted. “But so far, the response has been great. Some players told me they loved it. It was honest. I just wanted to show my real self—my struggles, thoughts, and personality. I’m really happy people connected with it.”
This is Alcaraz’s second appearance at the Italian Open. He missed last year’s event due to injury. Now the third seed and current leader in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, he is eager to compete again on clay.
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