ROME — Carlos Alcaraz has announced his full recovery from the muscle injuries that compelled him to withdraw from the Madrid Open, declaring himself “100 percent ready” for the Italian Open, where he anticipates reigniting his rivalry with Jannik Sinner.
Previously, Alcaraz dealt with an upper leg issue experienced during the final in Barcelona, alongside a separate injury to his left leg.
“I feel great. I’m fully prepared to kick off the tournament,” Alcaraz expressed during his press conference in Rome on Thursday.
Alcaraz will face Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic in his opening match on Friday. In his Rome debut last year, he was eliminated in the third round by Hungarian qualifier Fabian Marozsan, who was ranked 135th at the time, while struggling with a troublesome right forearm.
Despite that setback, Alcaraz went on to secure consecutive Grand Slam titles at the French Open and Wimbledon.
“Last year presented even greater challenges,” Alcaraz reflected, highlighting his triumphs this clay season, including a victory at the Monte Carlo Masters and a runner-up finish in Barcelona against Holger Rune.
“I wasn’t anxious at all,” he reassured. “I now have a strong sense of confidence. Practice sessions have gone very well… I’m eager for tomorrow. My game feels solid.”
The Rome tournament also marks the highly anticipated return of top-ranked Sinner, following a three-month doping ban.
Sinner and Alcaraz are placed on opposite sides of the tournament draw.
“I’m thrilled to have him back,” said Alcaraz. “What he went through was undoubtedly tough and likely felt very long. It’s fantastic for me, for tennis, and for the fans to see him compete again.”
“Fingers crossed,” Alcaraz added, “that we meet in the final.”
