Carlos Alcaraz managed to defeat Sebastian Baez on one leg by 6-4, 6-2, as he twisted his ankle at the Japan Open.
Alcaraz twisted his ankle early in the first set when the score was 2-2. He got medical treatment but decided to keep playing. Soon after, he broke his opponent’s serve and went up 5-4.
At that point, his team looked concerned and seemed to suggest he should stop. But before anything happened, rain interrupted the match, and the roof was closed.
When play resumed, Alcaraz came back stronger than ever. He played with confidence and took control of the rest of the match, showing great determination and focus.
After the match, the 22-year-old admitted he was worried the injury might cost him the win. “I was scared too, I’m not going to lie. “When I landed on the ankle, I was worried to be honest because it didn’t feel good at the beginning.
“I’m just happy that I was able to play after that and play such good tennis. Let’s see. I think it’s not going to be easy the next day and a half for me. I will try to recover, to do whatever it takes to be ready for the next round.
“It was unlucky. I would have felt a little bit guilty if I couldn’t continue and play some tennis for the fans so I just tried to have a good mindset and give everything that I have.”
In the second round, Carlos Alcaraz could face either Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo or Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, depending on the outcome of their first-round match.
As for his ankle, the extent of the injury is still unknown. The top seed will undergo a scan to assess the damage, but only if the medical team gives him the green light.
