World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz has touched down in Rome on Tuesday evening, initiating his preparation for the Italian Open—the final major tournament before Roland Garros. The Spanish star, who recently celebrated his 22nd birthday, was spotted with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero as he familiarized himself with the Foro Italico facilities.
Alcaraz enters the tournament following a right leg adductor injury that forced him to withdraw from the Madrid Open. Despite being a champion at Monte Carlo and Rotterdam this season, the Spaniard has limited experience in Rome, having competed there just once in 2023 when he suffered a surprising defeat to Hungary's Fabian Marozsan.
Tennis enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating a potential final showdown between Alcaraz and home favorite Jannik Sinner, who returns to competition after serving a three-month suspension for testing positive for clostebol. According to Statbet, the draw has positioned both rising stars in opposite halves, making their championship clash a genuine possibility that has fans excited.
Alcaraz will begin his Italian Open campaign on Friday, May 9, facing the winner of the match between Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka and a qualifier. Meanwhile, Sinner is scheduled to play his first match a day later on Saturday.
While both players have tempered expectations—Sinner publicly downplayed his prospects while Alcaraz is returning from injury—the tournament represents a crucial opportunity for both stars to build momentum heading into the French Open.
