Carlos Alcaraz provides update on ankle recovery

Carlos Alcaraz has allayed fears over his left ankle injury, confirming in a recent update that he was able to compete “normally” during his triumphant run at the 2025 Japan Open, crediting his physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno for a swift recovery. The world No. 1, who twisted his ankle midway through his opening-round win over Sebastian Baez on September 25, pushed through the discomfort to claim the title—his eighth of the season and ninth consecutive final—defeating Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in the final on September 30. Speaking after his second-round victory over Zizou Bergs (6-4, 6-3) on September 27, Alcaraz revealed he was “scared” initially but felt no major limitations by match end, signaling a positive prognosis as he eyes the ATP Finals.

The Injury Scare: A Dramatic Twist in Tokyo

Alcaraz’s ankle issue surfaced dramatically in the first set against Baez, the No. 8 seed, when he collapsed to the court holding his left ankle after planting awkwardly during a defensive slide. Requiring immediate on-court treatment and strapping, the Spaniard called a medical timeout, with trainers taping the area amid a 30-minute rain delay at 5-4. “I was scared too, I’m not gonna lie,” Alcaraz admitted post-match. “When I planted the ankle, I was worried, because it didn’t feel good at the beginning.” Despite the scare, he held serve to take the set 6-4 and cruised the second 6-2, improving to 64-7 on the season.

The 22-year-old, playing his first Japan Open, entered as the top seed and favorite but faced a real test of resilience. His subsequent 6-4, 6-3 win over Bergs on September 27 showed no lingering effects, with Alcaraz firing 19 winners and converting three of five break points. “Sometimes I was worried about some movements, when I could feel the ankle, but in general I played some great tennis,” he said.

Recovery Update: Praise for “The Best Physio in the World”

Alcaraz’s road to the title was a testament to his team’s quick work. After the Baez match, he underwent intensive rehab, crediting Moreno—his physio since 2018—for the turnaround. “I have the best physio in the world, who I trust 100%,” Alcaraz said after Bergs. “The work he has done for the ankle has been great. It was tough and it was a really important day and a half I had to recover as good as I could.” By the final against Fritz, Alcaraz reported feeling “normal,” with no pain during the 1-hour, 42-minute match, where he saved three break points and converted two of his own.

This isn’t Alcaraz’s first ankle scare; he’s dealt with sprains before, including during his 2024 French Open run. His ability to adapt—taping the ankle and modifying slides—highlights the maturity of a player who’s won six Slams (two Wimbledons, two French Opens, two US Opens) and holds a provisional year-end No. 1 ranking with 67 wins (67-7 record).

Looking Ahead: Shanghai Withdrawal and Beyond

Despite the positive Tokyo update, Alcaraz withdrew from the Rolex Shanghai Masters on October 1, citing the need for full recovery before the ATP Finals in Turin (November 10-17). “I’m very disappointed to announce that I won’t be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year!” he wrote on Instagram, thanking fans and confirming he’s “100% focused on getting back to my best.” The decision, his third Masters 1000 absence (after Madrid and Toronto), could cost him up to $3.375 million from the ATP bonus pool but prioritizes health for Paris-Bercy (October 27) and the year-end championships.

Alcaraz’s 2025 haul—eight titles, including the US Open and Japan Open—remains historic, and his ankle update reassures fans he’s primed for more. As he rests before Turin, where he’ll face a round-robin group with potential foes like Sinner and Djokovic, Alcaraz’s resilience shines: From Tokyo twist to title triumph, the Spaniard’s unbreakable.