🔥 Shock at Japan Open: Should Carlos Alcaraz withdraw after injury? Carlos Alcaraz made the whole stadium hold its breath when he suffered an ankle injury during the competition. Instead of giving up, he still fought hard and won, leaving a big question mark about the upcoming journey.

The Japan Open 2025 quickly turned into a stage of drama and resilience when Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish star and one of tennis’s brightest talents, suddenly collapsed in pain after rolling his ankle in a tense battle against Sebastian Baez. The Tokyo crowd, known for its passion and respect for the sport, was left in stunned silence as the 22-year-old clutched his left ankle, grimacing and uncertain whether he could continue. For a brief moment, it seemed as though the tournament might lose one of its biggest stars in the very first rounds.

Medical staff were called immediately, and Alcaraz received on-court treatment while fans looked on anxiously. The concern was not only about whether he could finish the match, but also whether the injury might affect the remainder of his season. After an examination and quick bandaging, Alcaraz stood up to thunderous applause. With determination in his eyes, he returned to the baseline, clearly in pain but unwilling to surrender.

What followed became one of the most talked-about performances of the tournament. Alcaraz adjusted his movement, cutting down on unnecessary sprints, relying instead on his sharp instincts and exceptional shot-making ability. Even while not at his physical best, he found ways to outplay Baez, mixing powerful groundstrokes with intelligent variation. The first set was tight, but Alcaraz managed to close it 6-4, demonstrating not only skill but also immense mental fortitude.

In the second set, the Spaniard looked more settled, despite still being visibly cautious with his movement. His fighting spirit seemed to fuel him with every point, while Baez struggled to capitalize on the situation. The crowd grew louder with each game, urging Alcaraz forward, and he did not disappoint. Sealing the second set 6-2, Alcaraz completed the victory with a raised fist and a relieved smile, though the ankle remained heavily strapped.

After the match, Alcaraz admitted that he had been scared at the moment of the injury. “I thought it might be over for me,” he said. “But I wanted to give myself the chance to fight, and I am proud that I could finish and win.” His words resonated deeply, not only with fans in Tokyo but with tennis supporters worldwide who followed the match live or through highlights on social media.

Now, however, the bigger question looms: should Alcaraz continue at the Japan Open, or should he withdraw to protect his long-term health? The tournament is still in its early stages, and as much as fans want to see him compete for the title, the risk of aggravating the injury is undeniable. With major tournaments still ahead on the calendar, some experts suggest caution could be the wiser path.

Whatever decision he makes, Alcaraz has already provided one of the defining images of the Japan Open—an image of courage, determination, and the refusal to let pain dictate his destiny. The coming days will reveal whether he can keep chasing the trophy in Tokyo, but one thing is certain: his spirit has already won the admiration of millions.