Alcaraz’s ankle scare at Japan Open turns into straight‑set win

First‑round drama at the Ariake Coliseum

When 22‑year‑old Carlos Alcaraz stepped onto the hard courts of Tokyo on September 25, most fans expected a routine start to his 2025 Japan Open campaign. Instead, the world‑number‑one found himself on the ground after a sudden roll of his left ankle just minutes into his match with Argentina’s Sebastian Baez, ranked 41st.

Alcaraz’s fall was anything but graceful. He dropped hard, clutching his face and then gripping his ankle, a grimace flashing across his features. The crowd fell silent as medical staff rushed onto the court, the sound of the stretcher wheels echoing through the Ariake Coliseum.

Doctors wrapped his ankle tightly, the strap looking almost like a tiny bandage of steel. The sight sparked immediate speculation: could the young champion even finish the match? Alcaraz, usually composed, could barely conceal his concern, rubbing his eyes and testing the pain with cautious movements.

Resilience turns panic into triumph

After the timeout, the Spaniard returned to the baseline, his steps tentative at first but gaining confidence with each rally. Baez tried to capitalize on the wobble, pushing deep into the court, yet Alcaraz’s baseline game—crushing forehands and precise placement—started to dominate.

By the second set, the strain on his ankle seemed less obvious. Alcaraz’s footwork grew smoother, and his signature speed resurfaced. The match, which had the potential to end in a medical forfeit, unfolded into a convincing 6‑4, 6‑2 victory completed in just 81 minutes.

In the post‑match interview, Alcaraz didn’t hide his nerves. “I was scared. I’m not gonna lie. I felt my ankle and didn’t feel great,” he admitted, his voice still a little hoarse. “In the first five minutes I thought I wouldn’t continue, but I’m happy to be able to play after that.”

Looking ahead, the champion remains cautious. He’s slated to meet Belgium’s rising star Zizou Bergs in the second round, a tie that could test his ankle further. “I will try to be ready for the next match,” Alcaraz said, hinting at a careful approach to training and recovery over the next few days.

Fans left the arena buzzing, not just about the win but about the mental toughness displayed on a day that could have turned dramatically different. Alcaraz’s quick bounce back adds another chapter to his already impressive résumé and sets the stage for an intriguing Japanese showdown.