Follow us on Google Discover Carlos Alcaraz decided not to feature at the penultimate ATP Masters 1000 event of the 2025 season.
After clinching the 24th title of his career at the Japan Open, Alcaraz withdrew from the Shanghai Masters, citing ‘some physical issues’.
The Spaniard sustained an ankle injury during his opening-round clash with Sebastian Baez in Tokyo, falling to the floor in pain after a point against the Argentine.
Now, one of Alcaraz‘s coaches, Samuel Lopez, admitted his team took a big risk with the world number one after the scare.
Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty ImagesSamuel Lopez discusses Carlos Alcaraz’s injury in Tokyo
Speaking on the Open Court Podcast, Lopez said: “In Tokyo against Baez, he sprained his ankle, and we thought he was going to retire that same day, but he managed to save the match.
“We had a day of rest the next day, and in the end, between the physio, Juan Carlos, me and him, we said that we could still continue, but it was also dependent on him, if he was able to endure the pain a little.
“We were able to control it, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, and he was able to hold out through the tournament with a grade two sprain, and had a lot of treatment every day.
“Of course, he could not go to Shanghai. He reached the final [In Tokyo] and won. We were taking a lot of risks, not because of the sprain, which was pretty much under control, but because in the end, subconsciously, you are going to put weight on it differently, and it can affect your knee.”
Carlos Alcaraz’s dominant campaign at the Japan Open
Despite the ankle sprain, Alcaraz dropped just one set throughout the entirety of his campaign at the Japan Open.
The six-time major champion tore through his half of the draw, picking up comfortable wins against Baez, Zizou Bergs, and Brandon Nakashima.
Alcaraz finally conceded a set to Casper Ruud in the semifinals, but fought back to secure the victory over the Norwegian and book his place in the final.
He played Taylor Fritz in the title bout and earned revenge after his loss to the American at the Laver Cup, beating him 6-4, 6-4 to hold the trophy aloft.