Alcaraz Defeats Lajovic To Reach Italian Open Third Round
World number three Carlos Alcaraz made a triumphant return from injury to defeat Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-3, which earned him a place in the Italian Open third round on Friday.
The Spaniard needed an hour and 23 minutes on his return from a thigh injury to brush aside Lajovic.
He struggled with the pace of the game in the opening moments with 22 unforced errors, but recovered to win the first four games of the encounter.
Alcaraz resumed the second set with more intent and purpose, winning the first three games to seal a deserved victory.
He pulled out of the Madrid Open last week following a thigh injury he sustained in the Barcelona Open final in April.
The 22-year-old revealed that he is in good shape and ready to build on his impressive start to the tournament.
Alcaraz said, “The body is feeling great. I made a few good sprints today without any pain. It was great.
“I think I passed the test. Trying to feel more comfortable on the court, moving without thinking about the injury.”
Alcaraz also admitted that Sinner’s return is pushing him to improve.
He said, “It [Sinner’s comeback to the tour] is great, honestly.
“I have seen him around. For me, it’s great to have him back. Honestly, I need him on the tour because, I mean, he pushes me to be a better player and give 100% every day, to be better.
“Of course, I am a fan of tennis, and I think that tennis needs him to bring in new fans. His tennis is huge; it’s insane. I love watching him play.
“So, having the chance to see him and watch his tennis again is great, so I’m just really, really happy, but it’s a different feeling. That’s great for me, for tennis, and for the fans in Rome.”
Alcaraz will now take on Laslo Djere in the third round on Sunday.
In the women’s category, Aryna Sabalenka defeated Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 6-2 to advance to the third round of the Italian Open.
She will play Sofia Kenin in the next round after the American defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-0.
Sabalenka has reached the final of her last four tournaments, winning the WTA 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid.
Alcaraz Defeats Lajovic To Reach Italian Open Third Round is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
