Alcaraz

ROME — Carlos Alcaraz advanced to his first Italian Open final with a 6-3, 7-6 (4) victory over Lorenzo Musetti on Friday.

It’s the third final in three clay-court events this season for Alcaraz, who won the Monte Carlo Masters and finished runner-up in the Barcelona Open before withdrawing from the Madrid Open because of injury.

A four-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz is preparing to defend his title at the French Open, which starts May 25.

In Sunday’s final, Alcaraz will face either top-ranked Jannik Sinner or No.