Carlos Alcaraz is through to the next round of the Italian Open after defeating Dusan Lajovic in straight sets 6-3, 6-3.
Alcaraz played his first competitive match since returning from an adductor injury, which he picked up at the Barcelona Open.
The 22-year-old received treatment for the injury during his final in Barcelona against Holger Rune, but lost the match, and Alcaraz ultimately withdrew from the Madrid Open as a result.
The Spaniard is back and healthy now however, and clinched his 25th win of the season against Lajovic, in a great performance that Alcaraz himself was surprised with.
Despite a dominant win in his opening match at the Masters 1000 event, former British tennis player Barry Cowan still thinks Alcaraz can improve on his game.
Former British tennis player Barry Cowan says Carlos Alcaraz can improve on his net game and on break points
Rating Alcaraz’s performance after the match, Cowan said: “7.5/8. I think he will be happy he has played well. There are areas to improve.”
“You have to put it into context of the opponent. If you win easily and are ahead early it makes life easier for you.”
“There are a few areas of his game that he would want to tidy up. At the net, a couple of the break points which he didn’t take, especially in the second set. But I think all in all, he will be pleased.”
“He served well, which is crucial as well for Alcaraz. There is always that balance on the clay of using that kick serve but also the big first serve and 71% first serve in today, it was a strong victory.”
Alcaraz’s return to the Italian Open by the numbers
Alcaraz enjoyed a dominant start to his Italian Open campaign, particularly on his serve, where he put up a first serve percentage of 71%.
He won 72% of his first serve points, with 62% on second serve points, compared to Lajovic, who tallied 59% and 48% respectively.
| Lajovic | Stat | Alcaraz |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Aces | 3 |
| 1 | Double Faults | 2 |
| 61% | First Serve % | 71% |
| 59% | Win % On First Serve | 72% |
| 48% | Win % On Second Serve | 69% |
| 1/2 | Break Points | 4/10 |
| 0 | Tiebreaks Won | 0 |
| 16 | Receiving Points Won | 31 |
| 52 | Points Won | 66 |
| 6 | Games Won | 12 |
| 2 | Max Games Won In A Row | 4 |
| 4 | Max Points Won In A Row | 6 |
| 36 | Service Points Won | 35 |
| 5 | Service Games Won | 8 |
The four-time Grand Slam champion won four of his 10 break points, and won 31 receiving points throughout the match.
Alcaraz hit 20 winners in the match, which spanned 82 minutes, and increased his flawless head-to-head record against Lajovic to 5-0.
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