Carlos Alcaraz Shakes Off Ankle Scare to Win Japan Open Opener

Injury scare and medical response

During the fifth game of his opening match at the Japan Open in Tokyo, 22‑year‑old Carlos Alcaraz pulled up sharply on his left ankle. The sudden halt left the world No. 1 stumbling, dropping to the floor and clutching his face. Spectators gasped as the young champion tried to stand, his steps uneven and clearly painful.

Medical staff rushed onto the court, halted play and wrapped his ankle and the ball of his foot with supportive strapping. After a brief timeout, Alcaraz tested the bandage by taking a few tentative steps. The relief of being able to walk back to the bench sparked a noticeable change in his demeanor – the fear began to subside, replaced by a cautious confidence.

In post‑match interviews, Alcaraz explained that the initial pain made him question whether he should continue. "I was scared too, I’m not going to lie," he said. "When I landed on the ankle, I was worried because it didn’t feel good at the beginning. I even thought about withdrawing." The decision to stay on hinged on the medical assessment; once the strap was in place, the Spaniard felt stable enough to give the match another go.

Aftermath and next round

With the injury largely managed, Alcaraz turned his focus back to the rally. He soon found his rhythm, breaking Baez’s serve twice and securing a 6‑4 first set. The second set saw him dominate, cruising to a 6‑2 finish after a brief rain delay that gave both players a chance to regroup.

After the victory, Alcaraz praised his own resilience and the quick work of the medical team. "I’m just pleased that I was able to perform well after that and conclude the match strongly," he noted. "It was reassuring that I could walk back to the bench, and that boosted my confidence. I aim to maintain a warrior mindset in every match."

The Spaniard also reflected on the mechanics of his fall. He believes that the way he landed – forward momentum absorbing the impact – helped avoid a more serious sprain or fracture. "My forward motion probably saved me from a worse injury," he admitted, underscoring the thin line between a scare and a career‑threatening setback.

Looking ahead, Alcaraz said his priority is proper recovery. He promised to follow any recommended treatment and to keep his ankle in optimal condition for the upcoming rounds. "I will do everything necessary to recover and be prepared for the next round," he affirmed.

Alcaraz’s win not only marks a successful debut at the Japan Open but also sends a message to competitors: even when the odds seem to tilt against him, the champion finds a way to push through. Fans left the venue with a renewed belief in his fighting spirit, anticipating how far his grit will carry him in the tournament.