Alcaraz raring to go welcomes Sinner back from doping ban

ROME - Carlos Alcaraz said he is back to his best for the Italian Open after suffering injuries in April while the Spaniard also welcomed back world number one Jannik Sinner, who is poised for a comeback on home soil after serving a doping suspension.

Alcaraz withdrew from the Madrid Open in April after struggling with hamstring and groin injuries he had sustained during the Barcelona Open final, opting to take a break so he could recover well before his French Open title defence.

Alcaraz, who celebrated his 22nd birthday on May 5, received a bye into the second round in Rome where he will play Serbias Dusan Lajovic.

Im really happy to be here in Rome... The practices were great so far. Im in a good shape, Im 100 per cent ready to start the tournament, Alcaraz told reporters on May 8.

I couldnt 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 wasnt worried (about) at all.

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 Im just excited, I cant wait for tomorrow.

Alcaraz is the third seed in Rome and the Spaniard said he hopes to meet Sinner in the final, with both players on opposite sides of the draw.

The Italian has remained world number one despite serving a three-month doping ban as the three-times Grand Slam champion prepares for his first match since winning the Australian Open in January.