Carlos Alcaraz, surprised with his level: “I have passed the challenge” | ATP Tour

Roma

Alcaraz, surprised with his level: “I have passed the challenge”

The Spanish beat Lajovic in two sets

May 09, 2025

Carlos Alcaraz had two rivals this Friday when he premiered in the internal BNL d’Italia: Dusan Lajovic, which he defeated by a double 6-3, and the inconvenience in the adductor of the right leg, which forced him to renounce the mutual Madrid Open a few weeks ago. In addition to being imposed on Serbio, to advance to the next round, No. 3 of the PIF Rankings cleared doubts by completing the match without physically resenting.

“I have played without any pain and it was a test for me that I have passed,” said Alcaraz. “I felt comfortable on the track and I have not thought about the injury. The important thing for me was to know how I was going to feel after the injury, if I was going to notice or not. I have hit a couple of races and moved well, without discomfort. I have passed the challenge, I have passed the test.”

Alcaraz, who on April 24 left from Madrid to Murcia after announcing in the press room of the Magic Box that would not play the Mutua Madrid Open, enjoyed several days with his own, which he took advantage of to disconnect and prepare for Rome.

“I have taken the opportunity to be home with my family and my friends,” confessed the 22 -year -old. “I spent a few days without doing anything, just recovery with my physiotherapist. I did nothing physical or did any movement. I went to the final of the Copa del Rey in Seville or the motorcycles, in Jerez. When I returned home on Monday, Tme did an exam to see how I was and it seemed that everything good. Then, I began to train,” he added. “I have arrived in Rome mentally fresh and wanting to show a good tennis. I was surprised by the level so high that I have shown before Lajovic after so long without coming to Rome. Let’s see if in the next round I am a little better.”

On Sunday, Alcaraz will be measured to another Serbian, Laslo Djere, seeking to continue with his path in the Italic forum. For that, Alcaraz must put into practice all the good that he demonstrated on Friday in his debut in Rome.

“I have emphasized the points with initiative,” said the Spanish. “Enjoying, feeling my best. It has been a great game in regards to the serve, I have found myself very comfortable. This gives me a lot of confidence for what is coming. Tomorrow I will visit Rome. I have a friend who lives here, who plays in Lazio and we will see the game to enjoy a little. I want to see the city and visit the beautiful of Rome.”

On Sunday, he will play return to the track and continue fighting for a title that he has never been able to conquer, the only great trophy on whipped land that the young Murcian still does not have in his record.