Alcaraz says he’s fit and ready for Rome

Carlos Alcaraz will begin the bid for a first title at the Rome Masters on Friday as the Spaniard makes his return to the ATP after an adductor injury which ruled him out for a fortnight.

The world No. 2 is seeded for a final against Jannik Sinner, who is back from a three-month doping ban and remains the man to beat at the Foro Italico.

Alcaraz said on Thursday that his injury which forced him to miss his home Madrid Masters is healed and he’s keen to get stuck into Rome, where he missed 2024 with arm problems.

“It’s the second time that I’m going to play here, so I’m excited. The practices have been great so far. 

“I’m in a good shape, 100 per cent ready to start the tournament. So I just can’t

wait for tomorrow (when he faces Dusan Lajovic in the second round).

Alcaraz, subject of a just-released documentary, said the return of Sinner is big news.

The Italian has not played since winning his second Australian Open in January, serving time for inadvertent doping, with officials ruling he was not at fault.

“Honestly, I’m really happy to have him around again. It’s been three months (and obviously for him was tough,” the 21-year-old said.

“But there isn’t a better place to come back than here in his home. (The return) is great for me, for the tennis, (and) for the fans.

“We are in different sides of the draw. Hopefully I’m going to meet him at the final. 

“I’m real happy to see him, his team around. I think, yeah, I’m going to enjoy watching him playing again, his matches. For the people I think is great.”