Rome Masters: Alcaraz will play the last 16 for the first time

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Laslo Djere 7-6 (2), 6-2 on Sunday evening, despite a slow start

Carlos Alcaraz, Rome 2025 | © Tristan Lapierre / Tennis Majors

Tennis Majors

May 11, 2025

Internazionali BNL d'Italia •Third round • Completed

See draw

L. DjerevsC. Alcaraz

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, the No. 3 seed, defeated Serbian Laslo Djere 7-6 (2), 6-2 to advance to the round of 16 at the Rome Masters at the Foro Italico on Sunday evening.

Alcaraz recovered from being down a break twice to take a tight first set in a tie-break.

This marks the first time in his career that Alcaraz has reached the last 16 at the Rome Masters. It is only his second appearance at the tournament; he was eliminated in his second match in 2023 by Fabian Maroszan.

“I had a tough start; he played very solid,” Alcaraz said after the match. “I couldn’t find a way to play on my terms. I had to stay mentally strong and wait for my chances. In the second set, I managed to improve, and he started making more mistakes.”

Alcaraz has a cold

Alcaraz also revealed that he was dealing with a cold. “Once I’m on the court, I try not to think about those things, but sometimes it’s difficult. Now it is going to get tougher and tougher. So, yes, I’m happy to win in straight sets.”

Next, the 22-year-old Spaniard, ranked No. 3 in the world, will face Russia’s Karen Khachanov, the No. 23 seed. Alcaraz has yet to drop a set in two matches so far, having also defeated Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic (6-3, 6-3).

Djere, ranked No. 64, had previously overcome Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry (6-3, 6-2) and American Alex Michelsen, the No. 31 seed (6-0, 6-3), earlier in the tournament.