ROME — Carlos Alcaraz made a successful return to action at the Italian Open on Friday, securing a 6-3, 6-3 win over Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic. The third-ranked player had been sidelined since pulling out of the Madrid Open last month due to an upper right leg injury that had troubled him during the Barcelona Open final, in addition to a left leg concern.
In his match against Lajovic, Alcaraz sported a long black brace on his right leg, which extended from the upper thigh to just below his knee. “Physically, I felt really good,” Alcaraz noted. “I was able to make some great sprints without experiencing any pain. Today was a test for me, and I believe I passed it successfully.” Alcaraz was pleased with his performance despite initial doubts, declaring it a high level of play.
In the first set, the Spaniard gained an early advantage, winning the first four games. Although he lost serve while attempting to seal the set at 5-2, he recovered promptly by breaking Lajovic’s serve to clinch it. Alcaraz displayed his trademark speed on the clay of the Foro Italico, executing a thrilling backhand winner after reaching a well-placed drop shot. His second set performance mirrored the first, and he ended with equal winners and unforced errors, tallying 24 each.
Alcaraz’s clay court success this year, including a victory at the Monte Carlo Masters in April, has bolstered his record to 10-1. He looks ahead to his next match against either 31st-seeded Alex Michelsen or Laslo Djere. The young Spaniard is also gearing up to defend his French Open title when the tournament begins on May 25.
In the men’s draw, the event also marks the return of top-ranked Jannik Sinner following a three-month suspension due to a doping violation. Sinner and Alcaraz are positioned in opposing sections of the draw. Sinner is set to face 99th-ranked Mariano Navone in his opening match on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, top seed Aryna Sabalenka had a confident start, defeating Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 6-2.