An Injury‑Filled Second Round
Tokyo’s Japan Open opened with a lot of buzz around the 22‑year‑old Spaniard, and the crowd got exactly that – drama, nerves, and a final‑score that still felt like a victory. Alcaraz stepped onto the hard court against Uruguay’s Sebastian Baez, a player known for his relentless baseline play. From the first serve, the match seemed like a classic duel, but less than three minutes in, the world No. 1 slipped, clutching his left ankle and grimacing.
Instantly, the stadium fell silent. Alcaraz knelt, tapped his foot, and tried to assess the damage. The physio rushed over, performed a quick range‑of‑motion test, and confirmed that while the ankle was sore, Alcaraz could still walk. “When I planted the ankle, I was worried, because it didn’t feel good at the beginning,” he told reporters after the match. “I was scared when I fell in the first set.”
Instead of calling for a medical time‑out, the teen‑aged champion opted to stay on the bench, get his ankle strapped, and keep the momentum going. He took a few cautious serves, but his forehand still sparked the kind of fury that has made him a household name. Baez, sensing an opening, tried to stretch rallies, but Alcaraz’s footwork, even with a bandaged ankle, remained razor‑sharp. He clinched the first set 6‑4, a narrow margin that masked the physical battle he’d just fought.
In the second set, the Spanish player seemed to shake off the early fright. He moved more confidently, angled his shots with precision, and broke Baez’s serve early. The crowd, initially anxious, erupted as Alcaraz surged ahead, eventually sealing the set 6‑2. By the final point, his ankle was still strapped, but his smile was genuine. “I’m just happy that I was able to play good tennis after that and finish the match quite good,” he said, emphasizing the mental shift that carried him through.
What Lies Ahead for Alcaraz
The win pushes Alcaraz into the third round, keeping his chase for an eighth ATP title this season very much alive. Yet, the ankle injury looms large. He admitted that while he could walk to the bench – a key confidence booster – proper recovery will be essential before his next showdown. “I will try to recover to do whatever it takes to be ready for the next round,” he added, underscoring his commitment to the tournament despite the setback.
Experts on the tour are already weighing in. Some argue that the ankle strain could affect his lateral movement, a cornerstone of his defensive game. Others point out that Alcaraz’s history of bouncing back from physical knocks suggests he’ll manage the situation with a combination of physiotherapy and smart match play. The Japan Open’s schedule gives him a day’s rest, which should be enough for a focused rehab session.
Fans have responded with both concern and admiration. Social media flooded with clips of the fall, the physio’s quick assessment, and the ensuing celebration. Many praised his “warrior mentality,” a phrase he repeated during the post‑match interview. “I’m trying to have a warrior mentality in every match, in every aspect of everything,” he said, echoing the grit that has defined his meteoric rise.
Looking at the bigger picture, this match adds another chapter to Alcaraz’s 2025 story. He’s already collected seven titles this year, and each victory has come with its own set of challenges – from battling seasoned veterans to navigating heated five‑set battles. The Tokyo win, carved out under physical duress, showcases his ability to adapt and thrive, even when the odds tilt against him.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Alcaraz’s ankle. Will it hold up for a potential final against a top‑seed? Or will the strain force a strategic retreat? For now, the Spaniard’s focus remains on the next match, the next set, and the next point. One thing is clear: his determination, combined with a supportive medical team, keeps the championship dream alive.
In the end, the Japan Open offered more than a routine victory; it delivered a glimpse into how a young champion handles adversity. With his ankle strapped and his mind set, Carlos Alcaraz proved that a setback on the court doesn’t have to mean a setback in the tournament. The next round promises fresh excitement, and fans can expect the same intensity, ankle brace and all.
