How Did Alcaraz Overcome Djere to Progress to Rd-4 in Rome?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the fourth round of the Italian ATP Masters 1000.
- He defeated Laslo Djere with a score of 7-6(2), 6-2.
- Alcaraz will face Karen Khachanov next.
- Djere struggled with a right arm injury during the match.
- Alcaraz aims to complete the quarter-finals at all Masters 1000 events.
Rome, May 12 (NationPress) Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the fourth round of the Italian ATP Masters 1000 for the first time after securing a 7-6(2), 6-2 victory against Laslo Djere. This match marked Alcaraz's second win over Djere this season, having previously defeated him in April during the Barcelona finals. The 22-year-old showcased his skills by converting four out of nine break points in a match that lasted one hour and 44 minutes, as reported by ATP.
With this victory, Alcaraz celebrated his 26th win of the season, setting up a fourth-round clash with Karen Khachanov, the 23rd seed, who triumphed over local favorite Francesco Passaro with a score of 6-3, 6-0.
Although Alcaraz had a slow start on Campo Centrale, he persevered and outperformed an opponent who was hampered by a right arm injury. He delivered an impressive tie-break, highlighted by a remarkable forehand slice winner from an improbable position that clinched the first set.
"He played really solid in the first set. I didn’t find a 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 mentally strong and wait for my chances... I was just happy to get the first set," Alcaraz noted.
Djere sought treatment for his troublesome arm, but the injury began to hinder his performance. He quickly fell behind by a double-break, and Alcaraz was swift in sealing the win.
“In the second set, I think I was playing better. He made a few mistakes that I tried to capitalize on, and I am really happy," Alcaraz remarked.
After missing the Madrid tournament due to an adductor injury, Alcaraz aims to build on his solid yet unspectacular performance in Rome.
If he manages to defeat Khachanov on Tuesday, he will have reached the quarter-finals of all nine Masters 1000 events. Currently, Alcaraz leads their head-to-head series 4-0.