Carlos Alcaraz survives injury scare to reach second round at Japan Open 2025

Alcaraz’s Tokyo debut: drama, skill and a painful pause

When Carlos Alcaraz stepped onto the hard courts of Tokyo for his first Japan Open, the stadium buzzed with anticipation. The 22‑year‑old, already a four‑time Grand Slam champion, faced Argentine Sebastian Baez in a first‑round showdown that promised fireworks.

The match started with Alcaraz showing why he’s the world’s top player. He mixed brutal forehands with delicate drop shots, leaving Baez scrambling. Commentators kept shouting about his "beautiful combination" of power and finesse, and a few of his winners were called outright "outrageous".

Midway through the second set, the tone shifted. Alcaraz slipped, clutching his lower leg as the crowd let out a collective gasp. Broadcasters debated on the spot – was it an ankle sprain or something deeper like an Achilles strain? He was helped off the court, the area was taped, and after a short check he chose to stay in the match rather than retire.

Even with the pain, Alcaraz didn’t let his aggression fade. He fought through a shaky second serve that cost him a few points, but he managed to break Baez’s serve at a critical moment. The Spaniard closed out the set with a volley that seemed to say, "I’m still here." The final score gave him the win and a ticket to the next round.

What the injury means for his Japan Open run

After the match, doctors said the tape was a precaution and Alcaraz appeared able to move. Still, several tennis analysts warned that blunting an injury early can prevent a bigger setback later. The young champion’s schedule is packed – he’s defending points from previous Grand Slams and has a few weeks before the next big event.

His upcoming opponent is a Belgian player known for a solid baseline game. If Alcaraz’s leg holds up, he’ll probably try to dictate play early, using his aggressive forehand to keep the Belgian from settling into long rallies. If the injury nags, he might have to rely more on quick points and avoid long, taxing exchanges.

• Key takeaway: Alcaraz’s mental toughness shone through the scare.
• Physical note: Monitoring the taped leg will be crucial for the next matches.
• Strategic angle: Expect aggressive play but with smarter footwork to protect the injury.

Fans left the stadium buzzing not just about the win but also about the "what‑if" scenarios. Could a minor tweak turn into a season‑changing issue? Only time will tell, but for now Carlos Alcarz proved he can push through pain and still deliver the class his fans love.