Alcaraz nearly suffered a serious injury

Carlos Alcaraz comfortably overcame Sebastian Baez 6-4, 6-2 to advance to round two of the 2025 Tokyo Open.

World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz overcame concerns about a foot injury to beat Argentina’s Sebastian Baez 6-4, 6-2 in the first round of the Tokyo Open on Thursday, extending his impressive form and earning a place in the ATP 500 second round.

In the opening set, Alcaraz called for medical attention at 2-2 after experiencing pain in his left foot while trying to save a point. The 22-year-old Spaniard had his foot heavily bandaged but continued to fight on. He broke Baez’s serve to lead 5-4 and then closed out the set.

Following a rain delay, Alcaraz played with greater confidence, not allowing his opponent any break opportunities, and finished the match in just 1 hour and 30 minutes. This win improved his season record to 63 wins and 7 losses, including 48 victories in his last 51 matches.

“I was very worried, I can’t lie. I felt something was wrong with my ankle. But I’m glad I was able to keep playing,” Alcaraz said. “I will try to prepare as best as I can for the next match. Honestly, there was a moment in the first five minutes when I thought I couldn’t continue.”

Aiming to become the sixth player to win the Tokyo title while holding the world No.1 ranking, Alcaraz will face Belgian Zizou Bergs in the second round.