Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning French Open champion, is prioritizing his title defense at Roland Garros (May 25–June 8, 2025) and may skip the Italian Open (May 7–18, 2025), despite resuming training after a muscle injury. Alcaraz withdrew from the Madrid Open on April 24, 2025, due to right hamstring and groin injuries sustained during the Barcelona Open final against Holger Rune. Medical tests revealed a right leg abductor disorder and hamstring damage, prompting him to prioritize recovery over risking further injury. He expressed confidence in returning for Roland Garros, stating, “I believe it’s going to take one week, one week and a half, two weeks maximum, but I won’t have doubts about coming back and moving 100% again.”
Alcaraz has resumed training at the Real Sociedad Club de Campo, as reported on April 30, 2025, with both thighs bandaged, indicating cautious progress. However, his participation in Rome remains uncertain. He noted, “My hope is to play in Rome. If not, the next tournament is Roland Garros for me,” with further tests scheduled to assess his recovery. Posts on X reflect doubt, with @BenoitMaylin suggesting Alcaraz’s limited clay preparation could hinder his Rome participation, though he remains optimistic for Paris. Alcaraz’s history of skipping Rome, as in 2022 and 2024 due to injuries, supports the likelihood of prioritizing Roland Garros, especially given his minimal clay-court play this season—only Monte Carlo (title) and Barcelona (final).
The decision aligns with a demanding ATP schedule, which Alcaraz criticized as “really tight,” contributing to his injuries. Skipping Rome would preserve his health for the French Open, where he aims to become the youngest male to complete a career Grand Slam, following his 2024 triumph over Alexander Zverev. Meanwhile, the clay season is heating up, with Zverev confident in his form, Jannik Sinner returning in Rome post-doping ban, Coco Gauff’s breakthrough against Iga Swiatek, and Alex de Minaur tipped for a Grand Slam semi-final by Todd Woodbridge. Alcaraz’s cautious approach could ensure he’s at his best to face this deep field in Paris.
