Carlos Alcaraz's coach confirmed he played through ankle injury in Tokyo

Carlos Alcaraz’s season has taken another unexpected turn. After a taxing few months marked by deep tournament runs and physical demands, the Spaniard’s coach has confirmed that his star pupil sustained a grade 2 ankle sprain, forcing a recalibration of both his calendar and his movement on court.

Carlos Alcaraz’s season has taken another unexpected turn. After a taxing few months marked by deep tournament runs and physical demands, the Spaniard’s coach has confirmed that his star pupil sustained a grade 2 ankle sprain, forcing a recalibration of both his calendar and his movement on court.

For Alcaraz, who thrives on rhythm and court time, the decision to manage the sprain conservatively was as much mental as physical. Daily physiotherapy, ice baths, and taping routines became as essential as his hitting sessions. The Spaniard was cleared to continue limited training, but under strict supervision. His team prioritised restoring stability to the joint while maintaining his overall conditioning, a delicate balance for a player whose explosive movement is the cornerstone of his game.

Despite the progress made in Tokyo, Alcaraz’s camp advised against competing at the Shanghai Masters. The surface and schedule, his coach explained, would have posed unnecessary risk. That adjustment, he noted, has been one of the biggest challenges in Alcaraz’s rehabilitation. The 21-year-old’s aggressive movement patterns, marked by sharp slides, quick recoveries, and explosive lateral bursts, are being carefully recalibrated to protect the injured ankle. Yet in doing so, other muscle groups and joints are now absorbing more strain, from his knees to his lower back.

The injury came during his run at the Japan Open in Tokyo, where Alcaraz remarkably went on to win the title despite visible discomfort. The world number 2 opened with a confident 6-4, 6-2 win over Sebastian Baez and followed it up with victories over Zizou Bergs, Brandon Nakashima, and Casper Ruud.

By the semifinals, however, the signs of strain were beginning to show. Against Ruud, Alcaraz was seen grimacing between points, clutching his ankle after long rallies. Still, he battled through, rallying from a set down to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The final was no less demanding; he defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in a match defined by precision and grit rather than explosive movement. His coach later revealed that the grade 2 sprain had been confirmed earlier that week, but Alcaraz and his team decided to continue in Tokyo under heavy daily treatment.

For a player who’s built his reputation on fearlessness, the enforced pause has been a reminder that even the best must listen to their bodies. Alcaraz’s team has reportedly adjusted his gym and movement routines to improve balance, stability, and ankle strength.

The plan is to return fully fit for the European indoor season, with eyes on Paris and the ATP Finals in Turin. While fans may be disappointed to miss seeing him in Shanghai, this is a calculated step in ensuring the longevity of one of tennis’s brightest stars. For Alcaraz, who has often turned adversity into growth, this injury may yet prove to be another lesson in patience, preparation, and perspective.

At just 22, Alcaraz has already learned lessons that many athletes face much later in their careers, that restraint can be as powerful as aggression, and that sometimes, stepping back is the only way to move forward stronger. His evolution from an exuberant prodigy into a measured champion is unfolding before the tennis world’s eyes.

If Tokyo proved Alcaraz’s resilience, Shanghai’s absence proves his wisdom. Therefore, when he finally returns, likely rejuvenated for the European indoor swing, fans can expect not just the same thrilling shot-making, but a more complete, more balanced version of the player destined to define tennis’s next decade.