Carlos Alcaraz showcased his resilience on Thursday at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships, defeating Sebastian Baez 6-4, 6-2 despite an alarming ankle injury and a rain delay in his Tokyo debut.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, top seed and World No. 1, faced a tense moment midway through the first set when he stumbled backward while stretching for a forehand, landing hard on his left ankle and heel. Medical attention was required, and his ankle was strapped during a brief timeout. Adding to the drama, a 30-minute rain delay followed shortly afterward, halting Alcaraz just as he was about to serve for the first set.
“I was scared too, I’m not gonna lie,” Alcaraz admitted post-match. “When I planted the ankle, it didn’t feel good. I’m just happy I could play solid tennis after that and finish the match strongly. I’ll do whatever it takes to be ready for the next round.”
Calm Under Pressure
Alcaraz struggled initially after the injury, unable to move freely in the first five minutes. However, with physio support and reinforced strapping, he regained confidence and eventually dictated play. He maintained his composure to close out the first set 6-4 and powered through the second to seal a straight-sets victory.
“I was worried I wouldn’t have the confidence to finish the match, but the physio did tests, and walking to the bench gave me belief I could continue,” Alcaraz said. “I try to bring a warrior mentality to every match in every aspect.”
The win improves Alcaraz’s head-to-head record against Baez to 3-0 in the Lexus ATP series, keeping his 2025 season streak alive.
Looking Ahead in Tokyo
Alcaraz will face Zizou Bergs in the second round. Bergs advanced past Alejandro Tabilo 1-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(4), demonstrating strong form. Alcaraz, who has already claimed 63 wins and seven titles this season, aims to join the exclusive group of ATP No. 1s who have lifted the Tokyo trophy.
Casper Ruud Also Advances
Top-seeded semi-final contender Casper Ruud overcame a sluggish start to beat Japanese wildcard Shintaro Mochizuki 4-6, 6-1, 6-1. The Norwegian remains in the hunt for the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin, currently sitting 13th, though he is keeping a cautious approach to season-end ambitions.
“Not yet. Typically when we return to Europe, there are only a few tournaments left, and that’s when you think about it,” Ruud said. “My goal is to finish the season well, indoors is not my forte, but I’m happy to get through today after the long journey from San Francisco.”
Ruud will face Matteo Berrettini in his next match as he aims to maintain momentum on the Tokyo hard courts.