Italian Open: Carlos Alcaraz Regains Winning Form, Beats Dusan Lajovic In Opening Round

 

Carlos Alcaraz kicked off the Italian Open with a straight-set, 6-3, 6-3 victory and eliminated Dusan Lajovic in the opening round of 64. 

Alcaraz returned to the clay-court season after he lost to Holger Rune in the final of the Barcelona Open in April. Though he struggled with an injury while playing his last match, he was in good condition in Rome. He dictated both sets against Lajovic and neatly claimed the victory. 

Lajovic was on a rally after Alcaraz won a break and saved another for a 4-0 lead in the opening set. However, the Spaniard's athleticism was unmatched by Lajovic, and he was outlasted. The second set was similar to the previous set, though the Serbian claimed a break en route to his defeat. 

The former world number one extended his tally to his 25th win this season. Concerning his fitness, he was confident that he was in good shape because his "body is feeling great." He recalled making "a few good sprints" during the match without pain. 

Alcaraz has two titles so far this season - he won the Rotterdam Open and the Monte-Carlo Masters. He will face Laslo Djere in the next round