Italian Open: Alcaraz and Sinner on Collision Course

The Italian Open is set to feature a potential showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, as Sinner returns from a doping ban and Alcaraz looks to make a strong run.

Carlos Alcaraz declared himself back to full fitness for the Italian Open, having recovered from hamstring and groin injuries that forced him to withdraw from the Madrid Open.

Alcaraz welcomed Jannik Sinner's return to competition after a doping suspension, with the world number one set to make his comeback on the ATP Tour in Rome.

Carlos Alcaraz, who recently celebrated his 22nd birthday, is set to start his Italian Open campaign in the second round against Serbia's Dusan Lajovic.

Alcaraz expressed his readiness for the tournament, saying, “I'm really happy to be here in Rome... The practices were great so far. I'm in a good shape, I'm 100% ready to start the tournament.”

“I couldn't play Madrid. It was a special tournament for me... But I could play really good tournaments in Monte-Carlo and Barcelona, good matches. I stopped a little bit to try to recover from the injury, which I wasn't worried (about) at all.

Carlos Alcaraz says Jannik Sinner being back is great for tennis, ‘I’m really happy to have him around again’

“How does it feel to come to a tournament where Jannik is here for the first time since the start of the year, that the biggest rival of your generation is back and you… pic.twitter.com/IrOdWuD2D1

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 8, 2025

“Right now I have confidence... Obviously I would say the first round in every tournament is never easy, you have to get used to the conditions, the tournament, the court, everything. But I'm just excited, I can't wait for tomorrow.”

Alcaraz Aims to Meet Sinner in Final

Carlos Alcaraz, the third seed in Rome, hopes to face Jannik Sinner in the final, as the two players are on opposite sides of the draw.

Sinner's Return to Competition

Sinner, who has retained his world number one ranking despite serving a three-month doping ban, is set to return to action after a break since winning the Australian Open in January.

“Honestly, I'm really happy to have him around again. It's been three months. Obviously for him it was tough,” Alcaraz added.

“I think there isn't a better place to come back than here in his home, for him here in Rome. I saw him, it is great for me, for tennis and for the fans to have him around again.

“I'm real happy to see him and his team around. I think I'm going to enjoy watching him playing again.”