Carlos Alcaraz is competing in Tokyo for the first time. World no. 1's campaign hit an early complication after he sprayed his left ankle during Thursday's first-round victory over Sebastian Baez.
The Spaniard injured his ankle in the fifth game of the duel and received a medical timeout. The six-time champion continued and provided a 6-4, 6-2 victory in an hour and a half.
Carlos fought well with a compression bandage but has since continued to feel pain the troubled area. The 22-year-old skipped Friday's practice session and gathered dark clouds over his participation.
Alcaraz immediately started treatment with his physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno. The six-time Major winner opted to rest rather than risk aggravating the injury, especially ahead of the Shanghai Masters.
Carloswill try to test his ankle on Saturday ahead of night session duel against Zizou Bergs. The timing of the setback is far from ideal, with the Shanghai Masters around the corner and the ATP Finals and Davis Cup Finals still to come.
On the other hand, Alcaraz understands that every match and ranking point matters in his year-end no. 1 battle against Jannik Sinner. Otherwise, he would certainlywithdraw from Tokyo and rest his body.
The Italian is competing in Beijing, standing as the favorite to lift a trophy and potentially reduce the gap to the Spaniard in the ATP Race. For now, Carlos is focused on recovery and protecting his health for the decisive stretch of the season.
His upcoming hours in Tokyo will reveal whether his ankle can withstand the challenge or if caution will prevail over competition and title chase.
