Relaxed Alcaraz eases to injury return win

Carlos Alcaraz showed no signs of the adductor/hamstring injury which kept him off court for three weeks, with the Spaniard charging into the third round of the Rome Masters with his 10th clay win of the season.

The second seed dispatched Serb Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-3 in 91 minutes.

Alcaraz missed his home Madrid event but appears to be building well for the May 22 start of Roland Garros as he played in Rome for only the second time and third match.

Despite being sidelined, the 21-year-old world No. 2 said he kept his thoughts positive during his enforced absence.

“I try to make the most of my time when I’m not playing, I try to think positive things.

“It was a shame to get injured (in Barcelona last month) before Madrid, but I could stay more at home with my friends and family while recovering.

“I’m mentally fresh now< I tried to show a good tennis.”

Alcaraz called his victory “a very good day at the office. My level was actually a bit surprising for me.”

While playing with a sleeve on his right thigh and wearing a black nose strip for breathing, Alcaraz said his body is on point.

“The body felt great. I moved well and felt no pain. I passed a test today.

“I was feeling comfortable on court and cold move well without thinking of the injury.”

Main photo:-Carlos Alcaraz wearing a breathing strip in Rome today – by Pete Staples/ATPTour.com