Japan Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz survives injury scare to reach second round in Tokyo

Carlos Alcaraz overcame a frightening injury scare to defeat Sebastian Baez 6-4, 6-2 in the first round of the Japan Open tennis on Thursday (25 September).

Dead silence initially fell over Ariake Colosseum when world No. 1 Alcaraz went down visibly in pain 20 minutes into the match, needing medical attention on his left ankle.

But the six-time Grand Slam champion managed to come back to take the first set and, following a rain delay, eventually outclass his opponent from Argentina.

“I think I played a great level of tennis besides what happened at the beginning of the match,” Alcaraz said. “I’m just happy to get the win and happy that I was able to play until the end of the match.”

In the fifth game of the first set with the score level 2-2, Alcaraz’s leg gave out as he charged forward from the baseline.

The near-capacity crowd held its breath as Alcaraz fell over on his back, clutching his head and grabbing his left ankle.

He went to the bench to receive medical attention and managed to return, converting his second break point to take a 5-4 lead.

Alcaraz then caught a huge break as rain started to pepper down on the court, suspending play for 20 minutes to close the roof, during which he had his ankle heavily taped up.

Carlos Alcaraz on year 2025: 'The best season that I've ever done so far'

US Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz returns to the top with dominant performance vs Jannik Sinner

Alcaraz served out the set after the pair came back from the suspension, and took complete control of the second set to win in 90 minutes.

The Spaniard said at first he was seriously worried but felt better as the ankle started to settle.

“I feel like it was unlucky,” Alcaraz said. “I was feeling good and it was about running to a key drop shot he made in the fifth game and that happened.

“I would say it saved me that I was going forward and thanks to that, it didn't blend all around. I was worried because at the first minutes of playing my ankle, it didn't feel good at all.

“But then after a while I just started to feel a little bit better. I could walk to the bench, which for me was a relief.

“Right now I'm feeling the same way which for me I would say is great because when it cooled down, I'm feeling the same way when I was playing on the court. I think it's a great sign.”

Alcaraz was optimistic he could go for his second-round affair against Zizou Bergs of Belgium on Saturday, but would not 100 per cent commit on his availability.

“I don't know, it's going to be an important day and a half I have ahead for me before the next match. We will see what happens.

“I will do whatever it takes to be in a good state, and I’m ready to play in the next round.”

Click here to read article