Alcaraz back to No. 1 with wet win in Rome

Carlos Alcaraz hammered fellow Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-4, 6-1 on Saturday to guarantee himself a return to the top ATP ranking on Monday and the top seeded at Roland Garros.

The second seed at the Rome Masters got his opening victory done in 85 minutes on a day of rain and chill at the Foro Italico.

The 20-year-old will land on the top ranking spot for the third time since his first ascension last September following his US Open title.

“It’s great to be No. 1 at Roland Garros, it’s something crazy,” he said. “It’s something I could not have believed several years ago.

“But being No. 1 or No. 2 doesn’t change much for me. I focus on my game and my matches and don’t think about it too much.”

Alcaraz earned his fourth victory over his compatriot, firing 28 winners to just 11 for Ramos-Vinolas.

“It was not easy, a first match is really tough, and he’s a specialist on clay.

“I had to adapt my game quickly to get through. 

“Conditions were difficult: waiting all day, not knowing if you are going to play or not.

“I’m happy with my performance and happy to be able to play the match at all.”

Alcaraz has now won his last 10 matches over fellow Spaniards.