Italian Open: Carlos Alcaraz charges into last 16 with straight-set win

Alcaraz was in dominant form as he beat Serbia's Laslo Djere 7-6[2], 6-2 to seal his place in the last-16 in Rome.

The player who is on course to rise back up to world No. 2 if he continues to win matches in Rome is making up for lost time in the Italian capital, as he lost against Fabian Marozsan on his only previous appearance in Rome in 2023 before missing last year's tournament through injury.

Now he is battling back from another injury that forced him to pull out of the Madrid Masters, but he looks in solid form as he recorded a second consecutive straight-set win.

Alcaraz is not in the best of health as he is battling a cold and that was the reason why he was wearing a black nasal strip during this match.

Despite his discomfort, the French Open champion was in fine form and he was satisfied with his display.

"It was a really tough beginning, honestly, to find a good rhythm, to find the good path in the match," said the 22-year-old.

"He played really solid in the first set. I didn't find the way to [stop him], that's how tough it was at the beginning. He was serving for the first set and I just thought that I had to stay there, mentally strong, and wait for my chances⦠I was just happy to get the first set.

"In the second set I think I was playing better. He made a few mistakes that I tried to make the most of, and I am really happy."

Alcaraz also spoke about his illness as he added: "I was trying to come back from the injury as good as I can and then I got a cold.

"But once you are on the court you try not to think about those things and just keep going. Sometimes it is difficult, but it's great having matches in straight sets to save energy for the next matches."

Alcaraz clearly enjoyed one image from his latest win, as he posted this message on his X account to revel in his 'aura'.

This win set up a last-16 meeting with Karen Khachanov and Alcaraz now appears to be in pole position to claim the world No 2 ranking ahead of the French Open.

With current world No. 2 Alexander Zverev looking to defend 1,000 points from his win at last year's Italian Open, the German will need to defend his title to have a chance to hang on to that position.

The bigger concern for Alcaraz may be the heavy strapping he wore once again on his right leg, as he looks to manage the injury he picked up against Holger Rune in the Barcelona Open final.

He has already suggested that injury is not a major concern as he appears to be moving well in Rome, with that world No. 2 ranking very much in his sights.

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