Alcaraz clears first hurdle at Rome Masters
Carlos Alcaraz breezed through his opener at the Italian Open, defeating Dusan Lajovic 6-3 6-3 in Rome.
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The Spaniard recorded an ATP Tour-leading 25th win of the season as he returned from injury with confidene, having missed the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid last month with an adductor injury.
Alcaraz looked unhindered by the injury, despite wearing some strapping.
"The body is feeling great," he said. "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. I tried to feel more comfortable on the court. Moving and not thinking about the injury."
Alcaraz took just 82 minutes to dispatch Lajovic, blasting 20 winners past his opponent.
He will next meet Laslo Djere after the Serbian beat Estoril champion Alex Michelsen 6-0 6-3 in their match.