Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev Power Into Italian Open Last 16 With Confident Wins
Carlos Alcaraz faced a challenging first set against Serbian clay-court specialist Laslo Djere but ultimately pulled through with a 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 win. The 21-year-old Spaniard, returning to full fitness after a short injury layoff, initially struggled to find his rhythm.
Djere played aggressively and even secured an early break. However, Alcaraz responded well, staying composed and pushing the set to a tiebreak. There, he shifted gears, dominating 7-2 with powerful groundstrokes and fearless returns.
In the second set, Alcaraz found his flow. He moved with confidence, struck clean winners, and broke Djere’s serve twice to seal the match in just under two hours.
“Laslo’s tough on clay. I had to stay patient and wait for my chances,” said Alcaraz. “Once I got through the tiebreak, things opened up.”
This win brings momentum as Alcaraz gears up for a serious campaign at the French Open.
Zverev Dominates Borges to Continue Title Defense
Alexander Zverev, the reigning Italian Open champion, delivered a clean performance against Portugal’s Nuno Borges, winning 6-2, 7-5. The German looked composed from the first point, using his heavy serve and baseline consistency to put Borges under pressure.
The first set was one-sided, with Zverev breaking twice and controlling rallies. Borges made things more competitive in the second, holding serve and fighting for points. But Zverev maintained focus, grabbed a late break, and closed out the match in straight sets.
“Rome has always been a special place for me,” Zverev said. “It’s where I’ve had some of my best tennis memories, and I’m happy with how I played today.”
After injuries derailed parts of his 2023 season, Zverev seems rejuvenated in 2025, eyeing another title run on the Roman clay.
Tight Field at the Top
With Alcaraz and Zverev advancing, the Italian Open is shaping up to be a tournament full of elite matchups. Novak Djokovic remains in the draw, and Jannik Sinner is carrying the hopes of the Italian crowd. Other contenders like Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Holger Rune are also eyeing deep runs.
Alcaraz, who’s known for his fearless style and creative shot-making, will likely face stiffer opponents in the next round. Zverev, with his efficient baseline game and powerful serve, is also expected to face tougher challenges as the field narrows.
Rome: A Prestigious Clay-Court Stage
The Italian Open is one of the most important tournaments on the ATP calendar, particularly in the lead-up to Roland Garros. Held at the historic Foro Italico, it offers players a unique opportunity to build form and confidence on clay.
Past champions like Rafael Nadal, Djokovic, and Andy Murray have lifted the trophy here. With the older generation slowly phasing out, the spotlight is shifting to players like Alcaraz and Zverev to write their own legacies.
The atmosphere in Rome is electric, with passionate crowds and picturesque courts creating the perfect setting for high-stakes tennis.
Eyes on Roland Garros
With the French Open just weeks away, performances in Rome are being closely watched. Alcaraz has already proven himself a Grand Slam winner and is one of the main favorites in Paris. A strong showing in Italy would only boost his confidence heading into Roland Garros.
Zverev, too, has a solid track record on clay. His blend of power and patience makes him a serious contender not just in Rome, but on the Grand Slam stage as well. After last year’s struggles, this season could mark a significant comeback.
Final Thoughts
Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev made bold statements in Rome with their performances on Sunday. Alcaraz showed grit and spark in overcoming a tricky opponent, while Zverev reminded everyone why he’s still a force on clay.
As the Italian Open moves into the latter stages, fans can expect intense matchups and possibly a few surprises. Whether it’s Alcaraz’s relentless energy or Zverev’s calculated power, both men are building momentum at the perfect time.
The road to Roland Garros runs through Rome—and both stars seem ready for the challenge.
