Japan Open 2025: Alcaraz quashes injury concerns to reach quarters

Carlos Alcaraz showed no signs of ankle injury as he beat Belgium's Zizou Bergs 6-4, 6-3 on Saturday to reach Japan Open quarterfinals. The  world No.1 hurt himself two days earlier in his opening round clash in Tokyo and completed the match with a heavily strapped ankle. 

Alcaraz showed no signs of discomfort as he got the job done in an hour and 20 minutes against Bergs. The Spaniard will take on American Brandon Nakashima in the quarterfinal clash on Sunday. 

"I said before and I'm going to say it again, I have the best physio in the world who I trust 100%, and the work he has done for the ankle, I think, has been great," Alcaraz said. "I could play, I would say, normally. I was worried about some movements on the court where I could feel the ankle, but in general I think I played a great match."

The six time Grand Slam winner took to the court with a strapped left ankle. But the reigning French and US Open winner, playing in Japan for the first time, claimed the first set despite his service broken twice.

He raced into an early lead in the second set. Though Bergs made him work hard for the victory, Alcarz was always in control. The 22-year-old sealed the match with a brilliant forehand at the net that Bergs couldn't return into play. 

One win away from career-high

Alcaraz is now just one win away from matching a career-high 65 in a single year. "I know he's really dangerous" said the Spaniard of Nakashima. "I will have to play a great, great match if I want to beat him. I will still take care of the ankle and try to feel as good as today or even better. 

"But tomorrow it's going to be a great challenge that I'm really excited about and I'm ready for that. But we'll see how it's going to be tomorrow."

"(When) real champions feel (this) way, they find solutions, they find a way to overcome everything and play such great tennis. that's what I'm trying to do- show that I could be a real champion as well."