Carlos Alcaraz Faces Injury Concerns in Tokyo ATP 500 Opener

Tokyo, Japan — Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning world number one, kicked off his participation in the ATP 500 in Tokyo on September 25, 2025. The Spanish tennis star faced a challenging first-round match against Argentina’s Sebastian Báez, but it was marked by concerns over an injury.

During the match, Alcaraz reported discomfort in his left ankle, leading him to consult with his team. “I feel my ankle swelling and it’s painful at times,” he said, showing determination to continue despite the physical setbacks.

The match was temporarily halted due to rain, adding to the tension as the roof was closed to protect the playing surface. At one point, Alcaraz made an impressive comeback, breaking Báez’s serve despite having to manage his ankle issues, bringing the score to 5-4 in his favor.

Alcaraz has been dominant on the tour, holding an impressive 47-3 record since April alongside six tournament titles. He mentioned his desire to keep improving, stating, “I aim to be among the greats of tennis.” The Spanish player is hoping to maintain his position at the top of the ranking, having regained it after his US Open victory.

As he faced Báez, Alcaraz was aware of the importance of the match for his Asian tour schedule, where he aims to defend 500 points earned from last year’s title in Beijing. Observing his play, tennis analyst Nacho Albarrán commented, “He started cautiously but is applying pressure on Báez now as he seems to warm up despite the injury concerns.”

Despite the setbacks, Alcaraz continued to fight through the match, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to remaining at the forefront of tennis.