Carlos Alcaraz makes winning comeback at Italian Open after injury layoff

After playing 10 matches in the space of two weeks as he followed up his Monte Carlo Masters title with a run to the final of the Barcelona Open, Alcaraz picked up two separate injuries during his defeat to Holger Rune in the Spanish city.

He struggled with an adductor muscle injury during the final set and it was later revealed he also suffered a left-hamstring strain.

The Spaniard was eventually forced to withdraw from the Madrid Open, but he was given the all-clear for the Rome ATP Masters event and there were no signs of discomfort during his latest victory.

Alcaraz said after the game: "The body is feeling great. I moved well and made a few good sprints without any pain and that is great.

"It was a test for me and I think I passed the test. I tried to feel more comfortable on the court. Moving and not thinking about the injury."

The 22-year-old added: "I took some days without doing anything. Just recovering with the physio. Didn't do any physical work. Didn't do any movement at all.

"When I went home on Monday after coming back from Madrid, I did a test. I want to see how it was. It was almost perfect. Then I started to practice.

"It was a mix of everything, you know? It was a mix of taking it easily and, of course, practicing, too, to get ready to Rome."

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