Carlos Alcaraz’s Injury at the Japan Open
Carlos Alcaraz faced an unfortunate twist during his initial match at the Japan Open in Tokyo, suffering an injury early in the contest. Unlike 2024, when he began his Asian tour at the China Open in Beijing, the 22-year-old Spaniard opted for a fresh experience this year, choosing the Japan Open as his debut tournament in Asia. He mentioned that his decision was motivated not by a desire to avoid fellow competitor Jannik Sinner, but rather by a wish to explore a new venue and culture. Unfortunately, this decision did not unfold as intended.
Match Overview
In his opening round against Argentina’s Sebastian Baez, Alcaraz got off to a promising start, quickly establishing a 2-0 lead. However, the momentum shifted as Baez came back to equalize at 2-2, but that was just the precursor to the match’s defining moment. While engaged in a rally during the fifth game, Alcaraz seemed to injure his Achilles tendon, causing him to collapse on the court. The match was halted immediately as medical assistance was summoned, and it was evident that he was experiencing significant discomfort.
Medical Assessment and Response
Desiring to prevent any further aggravation of his injury, Alcaraz remained still for a while until the tournament’s physio could assess the situation. Following a brief examination, he moved to his bench for additional evaluation. Although he expressed a determination to continue playing, provided his ankle was taped for support, he acknowledged the need for precaution.
“I feel safer when you tape it, and we’ll try,” he stated as he prepared to return to play.
After a medical timeout, he resumed but struggled to regain his prior form, ultimately losing the next game while appearing consciously cautious.
Implications for the Season
The implications of Alcaraz’s injury could be significant for the remainder of his competitive season. With the Shanghai Masters, an ATP Masters 1000 event set to commence on October 1st, any absence from the tournament could hinder his pursuit of maintaining the top spot in the ATP rankings. Currently leading the 2025 ATP Race with a substantial margin over Sinner, the stakes are high for the aspiring champion.
Following his appearance in Shanghai, Alcaraz is also scheduled to take a few weeks off before contesting in the final ATP Masters 1000 event of the season, the Paris Masters, beginning October 27th. If his injury proves to be minor, he is expected to compete in these critical events leading up to the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup Finals, as confirmed in a recent chat with Spanish basketball legend Pau Gasol.
