Alcaraz Battles Through Foot Injury to Edge Báez in Tokyo Opener
Carlos Alcaraz suffered a tense moment in his Tokyo debut when he injured his left foot midway through the match, calling a medical timeout and having the area heavily strapped — yet he came back to defeat Argentina’s Sebastián Báez 6-4, 6-2 and survive the scare. The world No. 1, who reclaimed the top ranking after winning the US Open, showed grit under pressure on his first appearance at the Japan Open and now advances to the second round.
A Frightening Moment on Court
The match began with both players finding rhythm, but that equilibrium shattered in the fifth game of the first set. Alcaraz stretched for a return, and immediately twisted awkwardly — he crumpled to the court, clutching his left ankle and heel in pain. The signs were scary and unmistakable. Medical staff rushed on, and Alcaraz requested the chair umpire to call a medical timeout.
He returned with heavy strapping around the ankle and foot, moving gingerly at first. He admitted later, “I was scared … I felt my ankle and it did not feel good,” acknowledging how real fear crept in during those early minutes after the injury.
Strapped, Delayed, But Still Dominant
Once he resumed, Alcaraz played through clear discomfort — breaking Báez's serve to take a 5-4 lead in the first set, before fending off pressure to close it out. A rain delay just as he was serving for the set added another layer of disruption, but once play resumed, he looked more settled. He sealed the second set 6-2 without dropping serve.
His post-match record is glowing: 63 wins against only 7 losses this season, and 48 victories in his last 51 matches.
Mental Fortitude in the Face of Pain
It’s one thing to win while healthy; it’s another when your body is protesting with every step. For Alcaraz, the match was as much a psychological battle as a physical one. The injury rattled him, but he managed to stifle fear, focus on his tennis, and execute under duress. His composure in the face of adversity stood out as much as any winner he hit.
He said he considered stopping play during those early shaky minutes, but opted to fight through — a decision that required belief, will, and trust in his body and team.
The Context: Tokyo, Momentum & Stakes
This is Alcaraz’s first time playing in Tokyo, and with it comes the challenge of adapting to new courts, conditions, and local rhythms. The Japan Open, an ATP 500 event, draws serious competition, and a title run here would add to his dominant season.
Another motive: Alcaraz is aiming to become just the sixth male player ever to win Tokyo while ranked world No. 1. Victory in this opener was essential to preserving that path.
His next opponent will be Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, who advanced in Tokyo as well. The question now circles around Alcaraz’s recovery — whether his foot will allow smooth movement in coming rounds.
What’s Next (and What to Watch)
The big concern now is Alcaraz’s condition going forward. Will the strapping suffice? How much will the injury limit lateral movement, explosive first steps, and footwork under pressure? Even if the match scores don’t reflect it, a lingering ankle issue could tilt closer contests.
It will also be key whether the team — physios, coaches, support — manage his workload intelligently. With the rain delay and match interruptions behind him, maintaining sharpness while avoiding aggravation is the delicate dance ahead.
For his opponent, Bergs, the situation could be a mix of opportunity and caution. Playing a top seed nursing an injury can present openings — but tapping into them without paying for too much aggression will be the chess match.
Should Alcaraz push past this, the narrative will shift: he’ll be lauded not just for brilliance on court, but for resilience under threat. But the longer his tournament goes, the more pressure his foot could incur.
Tonight in Tokyo was a test — one he passed with grit, pain, and skill. Whether the tourney proves to be a triumph or a trial will depend on how well he recovers, adapts, and competes over the days ahead.
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