Carlos Alcaraz overcame an injury scare after the Spaniard fell on the court during his debut match at the Japan Open. However, the player was lucky enough to win it against Sebastian Baez despite the fall. Meanwhile, fans are now concerned about his health following his health. Is World No. 1 fit enough to go ahead and add another title to his trophy cabinet?
Watch: Carlos Alcaraz falls on court during Japan Open debut; Is World No. 1 fit to go forward?
Alcaraz has raised a serious concern following the fall on the court during his Tokyo debut. The Spanish sensation took a 2-0 lead against the Argentine at the ATP 500 event. As Baez served at 2-2, the 2025 US Open champion pulled up but fell on the court as he moved forward to chase a drop shot from deep behind the baseline. As he stretched for a forehand, Alcaraz stumbled backwards in clear discomfort before the player collapsed.
The six-time Grand Slam champion covered his face with his hands as he lay on his back and was seemingly in pain and stress. Alcaraz, holding his left ankle and heel, which required strapping, apparently suffered a left Achilles injury and stayed on the court as he received treatment in the middle of the game from a physio before moving to his chair. The 22-year-old’s left ankle and heel were taped during a medical timeout.
However, this couldn't stop the player as he returned back into the game to claim a 6-4, 6-2 on Thursday evening. While the ankle injuries are in tennis, his physical limits will be tested in the upcoming matches. The top-seeded star will face either Chengdu champion Alejandro Tabilo or Zizou Bergs at the tournament. Alcaraz recently appeared at the Laver Cup in San Francisco and played four matches across singles and doubles. However, his side lost to Team World as the star of the tournament, Taylor Fritz, Laver Cup: Fritz helped Team World secure their third title in four years.