Carlos Alcaraz is making significant strides toward securing a favorable seeding at the upcoming French Open, demonstrating his resilience and fitness at the Rome Masters. After overcoming an adductor injury that forced him to miss the Madrid Open, Alcaraz has returned to the court with confidence, passing what he described as a crucial “test” in Rome.
Injury Update and Rome Debut
Alcaraz’s participation in the Rome Masters was initially uncertain due to an adductor injury sustained during the Barcelona Open. He had to withdraw from the Madrid Open as a result. However, the young Spaniard has since declared himself “100 percent ready” for the Rome tournament.
In his pre-tournament press conference, Alcaraz expressed his excitement about playing in Rome for only the second time. “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 practices were great so far. I’m in good shape,” he stated.
Clearing the First Hurdle
Alcaraz began his Rome campaign with a dominant victory over Dusan Lajovic, dispatching the Serbian player in straight sets. Alcaraz himself said, “The body is feeling great. I moved well and made a few good sprints today without any pain and that is great. It was a test for me and I think I passed the test”. He recorded an ATP Tour-leading 25th win of the season.
French Open Seeding Scenario
Entering the Rome Masters, Alcaraz held a favorable position in the race for the No. 2 seed at the French Open. He had an advantage over Alexander Zverev because he did not participate in the Rome Masters in 2024 and thus had no points to defend. Zverev, on the other hand, was the defending champion and had 1000 points at stake.
According to earlier analysis, Alcaraz “effectively owns a 765-point advantage over Zverev in the battle for the second seed at Roland Garros” if Zverev’s 2024 Rome points are accounted for. This meant that Zverev needed to defend his Rome title to maintain a chance of staying at No. 2, and he needed Alcaraz to lose before the semifinals. Alcaraz reaching the semifinals in Rome would secure the No. 2 seed for him, regardless of Zverev’s performance.
Jannik Sinner is expected to be the No. 1 seed at the French Open.
Potential Opponents in Rome
Alcaraz, as the third seed in Rome, has a challenging path to the final. Possible opponents in the later stages of the tournament include:
- Round of 16: Grigor Dimitrov, Karen Khachanov, or Lorenzo Sonego
- Quarterfinals: Jack Draper or Holger Rune
- Semifinals: Alexander Zverev, Lorenzo Musetti, or Daniil Medvedev
- Final: Jannik Sinner, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, or Tommy Paul
One potential quarterfinal matchup is Alcaraz against Jack Draper.
Sinner’s Return and Alcaraz’s Docuseries
The Rome Masters also marks the return of Jannik Sinner, who has been absent since winning the Australian Open. Alcaraz expressed his happiness at Sinner’s return, saying, “It is great. I’m really happy to have him around again… I think [there isn’t] a better place to come back than here in his home, in Rome”.
Off the court, Alcaraz has garnered attention for his docuseries, ‘Carlos Alcaraz: My Way’. The series follows his journey on the tour and has been well-received. Alcaraz said, “I [am] just super happy that there was a great impact for the people, for the fans. I just [tried] to show my [personality], how I am, and how I was struggling, my thoughts in my head. I’m just really happy about how the people watch it”.
Looking Ahead
With his injury concerns seemingly behind him and a strong start in Rome, Carlos Alcaraz is well-positioned to make a deep run at the tournament and improve his seeding for the French Open. His performance in Rome will be a key indicator of his form and readiness for the challenges ahead at Roland Garros.
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