Defending champion in Rome, Zverev cruises past Ugo Carabelli

Having been uncertain since his lost final at the Australian Open, Alexander Zverev reassured himself with his opening match in Rome, where he is defending the title he won last season.

Facing Camilo Ugo Carabelli, a clay-court specialist and semifinalist in Rio and Santiago in February, the world No. 2 never faltered. He was efficient on his break opportunities (six converted throughout the match) to wrap things up with a 6-2, 6-1 scoreline in just 1 hour and 6 minutes.

A clinical performance from Zverev, who will have his next round well within reach. He will face Vilius Gaubas, the world No. 154 and a qualifier, who finds himself in the third round of a Masters 1000 for the first time in his career.