Carlos Alcaraz Resumes Training After Tokyo Title Triumph
Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish world No. 1, has returned to training following his eighth ATP title win at the 2025 Kinoshita Group Japan Open in Tokyo, where he overcame an ankle injury scare to defeat Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in the final on September 30. The six-time Grand Slam champion, who secured 65 tour-level victories for the season with the triumph, confirmed he’s back on the practice court, crediting his physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno for a swift recovery. “I have the best physio in the world, who I trust 100%,” Alcaraz said after his second-round win over Zizou Bergs on September 27, emphasizing the “great work” done on his ankle over a “really important day and a half.”
The Tokyo Scare: From Concern to Conquest
Alcaraz’s Japan Open campaign began with drama in his opener against Sebastian Baez on September 25, when he rolled his left ankle during a fifth-game slide, dropping to the court in pain and requiring a medical timeout. Trainers heavily taped the foot, and Alcaraz, opting to continue despite the discomfort, won 6-4, 6-2. “I was scared too, I’m not gonna lie,” he admitted post-match. “When I planted the ankle, I was worried, because it didn’t feel good at the beginning.” A rain delay at 5-4 allowed further treatment, and Alcaraz held serve to take the set.
By his second-round match against Bergs (6-4, 6-3), the issue had eased. “Sometimes I was worried about some movements, when I could feel the ankle, but in general I played some great tennis,” he reflected. Alcaraz skipped the next day’s practice session out of caution, as reported by Marca, but felt “normal” by the final, saving three break points and converting two against Fritz. The title, his first in Tokyo, matched his 2023 career-best 65 wins and extended his finals streak to nine consecutive.
Training Update: Full Steam Ahead for Finals Push
Alcaraz has resumed full training sessions in Murcia, Spain, focusing on recovery and preparation for the season’s climax. His team confirmed on October 2 that he’s “100% focused on getting back to his best,” with no lingering effects from the ankle. Moreno, Alcaraz’s physio since 2018, was pivotal, as the Spaniard reiterated: “The work he has done for the ankle has been great.” Alcaraz, who withdrew from Shanghai due to “physical issues” but has since rested, is eyeing Paris-Bercy (October 27) as his next competitive outing, followed by the ATP Finals in Turin (November 10-17), where he’s the top seed.
This update follows Alcaraz’s £160 million Nike extension, including a custom “CA” logo debut at the Finals. His 2025 haul—67 wins (67-7 record), eight titles (Wimbledon, US Open, Japan Open)—locks year-end No. 1 status, but the training return signals readiness for more. “I’m excited to be back—Turin’s the goal,” Alcaraz posted on Instagram, sharing a practice clip with his signature forehand.
Alcaraz’s 2025: A Season of Triumphs
Alcaraz’s year has been historic, with the ankle hiccup a mere blip:
– **Australian Open**: Quarterfinal loss to Jannik Sinner.
– **French Open**: Champion, his second Roland Garros.
– **Wimbledon**: Champion, beating Djokovic in the final.
– **US Open**: Champion, third major of the year.
– **Japan Open**: Champion, eighth title and ninth straight final.
| Tournament | Result | Ankle Note |
|————|——–|————|
| Japan Open | Champion | Injury in R1 vs. Baez; full recovery by final |
| Shanghai Masters | Withdrew | Precautionary rest post-Tokyo |
| Paris-Bercy | Upcoming | Training resumed; expected participation |
| ATP Finals | Locked (No. 1) | “CA” logo debut; round-robin focus |
As Alcaraz sharpens for Turin—potentially facing Sinner and Djokovic in his group—his ankle update is music to fans’ ears. The Spaniard’s fire is back; the finals await.
