Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz was recently seen with a heavily strapped left ankle as he arrived for a practice session at the Japan Open. The Spaniard, who advanced to the second round, overcame a foot injury scare and secured a win over Sebastian Baez in the opening round.
Alcaraz hit a rough patch midway through the opening set, falling to the floor clutching his left ankle and heel, which required strapping.
What Update Do We Have on Carlos Alcaraz’s Japan Open Ankle Injury?
The Spaniard received treatment and returned to take a crucial break for a 5–4 lead. Rain briefly halted play, but once the match resumed, the World No. 1 asserted control, finishing the contest 6-4, 6-2 to move safely into the second round.
Trailing 2-2Â in the first set, Alcaraz stretched for a forehand, stumbled backward in evident pain, and fell to the court. He held his left leg and seemed worried as he looked towards his team. He received immediate on-court treatment from the physio before moving to his chair.
Many were monitoring Alcaraz’s possible trajectory in the tournament, and a recent clip clarified his condition. The World No. 1Â was recently spotted heading to practice, carrying his kit bag along with a white Nike duffle. However, his left ankle and heel, heavily strapped, were clearly visible as he walked. Watch the video below.
Alcaraz checking in ✅#kinoshitajotennis pic.twitter.com/F8OVPiA9KE
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 27, 2025
Alcaraz had given the update on his injury during his press conference at the Japan Open. The Spaniard described his injury as a result of an unlucky moment while chasing a drop shot. Although he initially struggled with discomfort, moving forward prevented serious damage, and he was relieved that the ankle only suffered minor strain during those first minutes on court.
“I feel it was unlucky. I was feeling good and it was about running to that drop shot he made in the fifth game. I would say it saved me that I was going forward and thanks to that it didn’t bend it all, so it was just a little bit. I was worried because the first minutes of playing in my ankle I didn’t feel good at all,” he said.
What Was the ‘Great Sign’ Alcaraz Highlighted in His Japan Open Presser?
This realization could be a major boost for Alcaraz, who is aiming to secure yet another title in his 2025 season. He later revealed that he began feeling better afterwards and felt relieved to walk to the bench. Now, with the ankle stable, he views it as a positive sign.
“After all I just started to feel a little bit better. I could to walk to the bench which for me was a relief. Now I’m feeling the same way, which for me I would say it’s great. Because, when it cooled down and feeling in the same way I was playing on court, I think it’s a great sign,” he added.
The six-time Major champion will next face Belgian rising star and World No. 45 Zizou Bergs, marking their first-ever meeting on tour. As the top seed, Alcaraz enters the match as the favorite, but it remains to be seen how the recent ankle strain will affect his performance.
