Alcaraz Returns From Injury, Wins Opening Match Italian Open

Carlos Alcaraz returned from a thigh injury to win his opening match at the Italian Open, defeating Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-3 in just over an hour. Despite some rustiness reflected in 22 unforced errors and wearing a brace on his right leg, Alcaraz started strong, winning the first four games and closing out the match with aggressive play on clay. The world No. 3 will next face either Alex Michelsen or Laslo Djere as he aims for his first Italian Open title and a potential final showdown with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who is making his comeback after a three-month doping ban. Sinner will face Mariano Navone in his opening match amid a supportive home crowd. In the women's draw, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also advanced comfortably with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Anastasia Potapova, expressing confidence in her chances to win the tournament. Other notable results included the early exit of 14th-seeded Grigor Dimitrov and the ongoing participation of last year's champion Alexander Zverev.