Carlos Alcaraz was forced into a medical timeout after suffering a painful looking foot injury at the Japan Open.
The Spaniard pulled up sharply mid-point during the fifth game of this first-round match against Argentine Sebastian Baez.
AFPCarlos Alcaraz pulled up with a foot issue early on in his match against Sebastian Baez[/caption]
Alcaraz hobbled for a few steps before falling to the ground where he laid on his back with his face covered by his hands.
Medical assistance
The reigning US Open champion underwent immediate medical attention after calling a timeout.
He received strapping around his left ankle and underneath his left foot before opting to resume the match.
However, a rain delay caused further interruption to the match, handing Alcaraz the opportunity to discuss the issue with his team.
The match was eventually suspended due to adverse weather conditions with Alcaraz 5-4 up in the first set.
Fans in Tokyo had already been hit by the news that the world No.1 would not face a repeat of this year’s Wimbledon and US Open finals.
That’s because Alcaraz’s opponent in the two Grand Slam finals Jannik Sinner, is competing in the China Open instead.
What did Alcaraz say about the injury?
“I was scared. I’m not gonna lie. I felt my ankle and didn’t feel great.
“I’m just happy to be able to play after that. I will try to be ready for the next match. It was unlucky.
“In the first five minutes I thought I wouldn’t continue.”
AFPThe world No.1 underwent immediate medical attention and was heavily bandaged up[/caption]
Fans deprived of another blockbuster match
The pair have faced off against each other in five finals this year with Alcaraz victorious on four occasions.
It appears Alcaraz has currently got his opponents number and when asked if he was relieved that Sinner was playing at another tournament, the Spaniard took a relaxed view.
“It’s not really to be honest,” Alcaraz told Tennis TV.
“I love playing against him, I think that every time we play against each other it helps me to be better and to increase my level. I love that.
“But I wanted to play in a different place, a different stadium that I’ve never played.
“So for me that’s what I change, but it’s great to play with other players as well and mix the other tournaments a little.”
AFPAlcaraz called a time out while medics worked against the clock so the match could resume[/caption]
Should Alcaraz come through his match against Baez then he could face recent ATP Tour winner Alejandro Tabilo in the second round.
The Chilean who takes on Zizou Bergs, scooped his third ATP Tour title in Chengdu, China, after overcoming Lorenzo Musetti in the final.
Musetti, who squandered two match points in the 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 defeat broke down in tears at the end of the match.
