Overview

• Carlos Alcaraz defeated Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-3 in his Italian Open opener, showing no signs of injury after a brief layoff.
• The 22-year-old wore a precautionary leg brace but reported feeling pain-free and confident in his movement on the court.
• Alcaraz aims to build momentum ahead of his French Open title defense later this month, with his next match set against Laslo Djere.
• World No.1 Jannik Sinner will make his return to competition on Saturday after a three-month doping suspension, facing Mariano Navone.
• A potential final between Alcaraz and Sinner looms, with both players on opposite sides of the draw in Rome.