Alcaraz: “I’m 100 percent ready” for Rome return
Carlos Alcaraz declared himself fully fit ahead of his opening match at the Italian Open, saying he’s put his recent thigh injury behind him and is ready to defend his French Open title with confidence.
“I’m in a good shape. I’m 100 percent ready to start the tournament. So I just can’t wait for tomorrow,” Alcaraz said on Thursday in Rome.
The Spaniard, who missed the Madrid Open after suffering a thigh issue in the Barcelona Open final, said his recovery went smoothly.
“I just try to recover from the injury, which I wasn’t worried (about) at all.”
This marks only the second time Alcaraz will compete in Rome, having exited in the round of 32 in his debut last year.
“I’m really happy to be here in Rome. (It) is the second time that I’m going to play here, so I’m excited.”
Alcaraz admitted his clay-court season has been disjointed but remains optimistic.
“Last year was even more difficult. Here (2025), I couldn’t play Madrid. But I could play really good tournaments, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, good matches.”
“The practices have been well… 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.”
“I think my level is in a good spot.”
Alcaraz also welcomed the return of world number one Jannik Sinner after a three-month doping suspension.
“It is great for me, for tennis, for the fans to have him again around. We are in different sides of the draw, hopefully I’m going to meet him (in) the final.”
Source: AFP)
