Alcaraz, Zverev lead Last 16 cast
MANILA, Philippines — Carlos Alcaraz joined reigning Italian Open champion Alexander Zverev in the Last 16 in Rome after seeing off Laslo Djere, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, on center court on Sunday.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz reached the fourth round at the Foro Italico for the first time after a battle with spirited Djere.
In the next round, Alcaraz will face Karen Khachanov who knocked out Italian wild card entrant Francesco Passaro, 6-3, 6-0.
Alcaraz was playing in his second match since suffering a thigh injury in his Barcelona Open final defeat by Holger Rune last month.
“I just thought that I had to stay there mentally strong, waiting for my chances because I was playing great,” said Alcaraz.
Zverev, meanwhile, barely broke a sweat against Lithuanian qualifier Vilius Gaubas, easing to a 6-4, 6-0 win to set up a Last-16 clash with France’s Arthur Fils.
Aryna Sabalenka came through a tough match with former Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin to set up a clash with Marta Kostyuk, who beat Leylah Fernandez, 6-4, 6-2.
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