By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday May 8, 2025
Carlos Alcaraz missed Madrid due to an injury to his right adductor. In Rome, he’s been wearing a compression sleeve on that leg, but on Thursday he told reporters that he is 100 fit and ready to go.
“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. The practises were great so far. I’m in good shape. I’m 100 per cent ready to start the tournament. So I just can’t wait for tomorrow,” he told reporters at the Foro Italico ahead of his second-round encounter with Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic.
Happy to Have Jannik Sinner Back
Alcaraz is already dreaming about playing a final against his rival Jannik Sinner. The duo, which have collectively captured each of the last five Grand Slam titles on offer, are in opposite halves of the draw in Rome. Alcaraz says he is happy to see his friend and rival returning in Rome, after serving a three-month doping suspension.
“Honestly, I’m really happy to have him around again. It’s been three months. Obviously for him was tough and I’m pretty sure it [felt] super long. But yeah, I think [there is no] better place to come back than here in his home, for him here in Rome.
“It is great for me, for the tennis, for the fans to have him again around, that he’s able to play a tournament again.”
Sinner will face Argentinian Mariano Navone in the opening round, as he bids to become the first Italian to reach the final since 1978.
“We are in different sides of the draw,” Alcaraz pointed out, adding: “Hopefully I’m going to meet him at the final. But just want to say that I’m real happy to see him and his team around. I’m going to enjoy watching him playing again, his matches. For the people I think it is great.”
