Carlos Alcaraz gives fitness update ahead of Rome opener
Carlos Alcaraz has revealed whether or not he will be fit enough to play his opener at the Italian Open following his recent injury woes.
After winning the Monte Carlo Masters, Alcaraz followed it up with a run to the final of the Barcelona Open.
But he struggled with an adductor muscle problem late during second set against Holger Rune and he went on to lose the showpiece match in straight sets.
Days later he pulled out of his home ATP Masters 1000 event, the Madrid Open, as he confirmed that he was also battling with a left-hamstring injury.
That raised major doubts over his participation at the Rome tournament as he made it clear that the French Open was his main priority, stating: “Rome is still a possibility, but for sure I’ll be in Paris.”
The world No 3 added: “[Prioritising Roland Garros] was a big part of my decision to stop and recover properly.”
Alcaraz has now confirmed that he is “100 per cent ready” for the Italian Open.
“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 four-time Grand Slam winner said.
“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 Friday.”
The Spaniard, who will be playing in Rome for only the second time, will kick off his campaign against qualifier Dusan Lajovic. Alcaraz lost in the third round during only other appearance at the tournament.
He has a chance to return to No 2 in the ATP Rankings behind Jannik Sinner if he has an extended run and Alexander Zverev fails to defend his title at Foro Italico.
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But the big goal is no doubt the French Open and Wimbledon after that.
Despite his injury concerns, Alcaraz is confident about his chances at the upcoming two majors where he is the defending champion.
“Last year was even more difficult. But here, yeah, I couldn’t play Madrid. It was a special tournament for me, which it was the same for me not able to play there,” he said.
“I could play really good tournaments, Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, good matches. Right now, yeah, I stop a little bit. I just try to recovered from the injury, which I wasn’t worried at all.
“So right now I have confidence. The practices has been well. Just excited to start the tournament. Obviously I would say the first round in every tournament is never easy, you have to get used to the conditions, the tournament, the court, everything. But yeah, I’m just excited. I can’t wait.
“I think my level is in a good spot.”
