'I passed the test' - Carlos Alcaraz eases injury concerns with win at Italian Open, Jack Draper also through to third round in Rome

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Carlos Alcaraz returned to competitive tennis after missing the Madrid Open through injury, recovering from an adductor problem to defeat Dusan Lajovic 6-3 6-3 on Friday at the Italian Open. The 22-year-old Spaniard was sporting a knee strap but appeared to be comfortable over the course of his 82-minute victory. British No. 1 Jack Draper is also into the third round after beating Luciano Darderi.

Carlos Alcaraz

Image credit: Getty Images

Carlos Alcaraz scored his 25th win of the season at the Italian Open as he defeated Dusan Lajovic 6-3 6-3 on Friday.

The former world No. 1 was making his comeback from injury following an adductor issue that kept him out of the Madrid Open over the previous fortnight.

There remained some injury concerns for Alcaraz as he played with a knee wrap in his first match of the tournament, but the 22-year-old appeared to move relatively unfettered on Campo Centrale.

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Alcaraz needed just 82 minutes to defeat Lajovic, with the Serbian yet to defeat him on the circuit, and set up a tie with Laslo Djere in the next round, who beat Alex Michelsen 6-0 6-3 in his previous match-up.

Speaking after his win, Alcaraz seemed to feel confident about his fitness as he warmed up for his French Open title defence - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

"The body is feeling great," he said. "I moved well and made a few good sprints today 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."

Draper into third round despite 'dogfight'

Jack Draper is also into the third round after an easy 6-1 6-4 victory over Italy's Luciano Darderi.

The British No. 1 is competing in Rome less than a week after his devastating defeat in the Madrid Open final.

He started strong against Darderi, winning the first set in just 25 minutes.

But the Italian rallied in the second in front of a home crowd, forcing Draper to hold his nerve.

"It was a dogfight," he told Sky Sports.

"I think my concentration slipped a little bit, I started getting a little bit flat.

"Winning lots of matches this year helps you to feel comfortable in those moments.

"But I think I did well in the end, a good job of just making that extra ball, making him play. I neutralised pretty well, so I think I've just got to keep my energy up throughout the match."

In other matches on Friday, Francesco Passaro recorded a 7-5 6-3 win against experienced Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, to set up a tie with Karen Khachanov.

Khachanov defeated Roman Andres Burruchaga over three sets, 6-4 5-7 6-1, while Arthur Fils defeated Tallon Griekspoor 6-2 6-2.

Fils’ next opponent will be Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Greek defeated Alexandre Muller 6-2 7-6(3) to reach the third round.
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