"This day and a half will be key": Carlos Alcaraz puts Japan Open run on hold after ankle twist

Carlos Alcaraz began his Japan Open campaign with a convincing victory over Sebastián Báez in the first round, in a match marked by a fall from the World No. 1 that caused him to twist his ankle. Concern settled over the Centre Court in Tokyo, but "Carlitos" managed to get back on court and dominate the encounter against the Argentine.

The Spaniard was making his return to the courts after his stint at the Laver Cup—where he suffered a defeat to Fritz and secured a victory against Cerundolo—a weekend that ended with Team World taking the trophy. The 22-year-old star traveled quickly from San Francisco to Tokyo, making his debut just a few days later in the ATP 500 event that kicks off his Asian swing.

This was the first ranking tournament where Alcaraz took the court as the new World No. 1, having claimed the US Open title a few weeks prior. The Spaniard arrived as the top seed for the tournament but suffered a delicate moment just four games into the match (with the score at 2-2). A fall caused him to twist his ankle, and Alcaraz had to request a medical timeout, getting taped up to continue the match.

Despite the setback, Alcaraz managed to find his rhythm and settle back into the match. Broadcasts captured him telling his team that he still felt some pain, but he ultimately decided not to retire, taking the victory without further incident, 6-4, 6-2, against the Argentine star. "It was unlucky. I was unlucky," Alcaraz declared after the match. "I was feeling good, and it was about running to that drop shot he made in the fifth game, and yeah, that happened."

While Alcaraz was able to finish the match, concerns have not entirely disappeared. "I could walk to the bench, which for me, was a relief. Right now I’m just feeling the same way, which for me I would say it’s great because when it cooled down, I feel the same way as I was playing on court," he said. "I think it’s a great sign."

As detailed by Punto de Break, his team is waiting to see how Friday morning progresses ahead of his next challenge. "This day and a half will be key to being able to recover. I will do everything possible to be in good condition and be ready to play," Alcaraz assured in a press conference.

The ankle injury was treated with a massage to reduce inflammation, and they hope Alcaraz can get proper rest before stepping back onto the court. Alcaraz and his team will make a decision on Friday morning. If the ankle is severely inflamed, he will undergo medical tests to determine his condition and whether he is fit to play the second round.

Alcaraz will not have to play on Friday, and his potential return to the courts would be on Saturday against Zizou Bergs. The Belgian comes from overcoming a tough challenge against Chilean Alejandro Tabilo—the recent Chengdu champion—deciding everything in the third-set tie-break (1-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(4)).