Tokyo: Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the quarterfinals of the Japan Open with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Zizou Bergs on Saturday, overcoming concerns about an ankle injury sustained earlier in the tournament.
Alcaraz had landed awkwardly on his left ankle during his opening match on Thursday and was unsure how it would hold up against Bergs. After the win, he praised his physiotherapist for aiding his recovery:
“I have said it before and I will say it again, I have the best physio in the world, who I trust 100%. The work he has done for the ankle has been great. I could play normally, which is great.”
The Spaniard admitted some movements still caused discomfort but felt he was able to deliver a strong performance. He will face Brandon Nakashima of the United States in the quarterfinals.
“It was tough and it was a really important day and a half I had to recover as good as I could. In general I played some great tennis, a great match,” Alcaraz added.