Alcaraz Overcomes Injury Scare to Dominate Baez in Thrilling Tokyo Debut

World number one Carlos Alcaraz proved his mettle in a captivating debut at the ATP Japan Open in Tokyo, shrugging off an early ankle scare to secure a dominant 6-2, 6-1 victory over Argentina's Sebastian Baez. The Spanish sensation, making his first appearance since his historic US Open triumph and ascent to the top of the world rankings, showcased remarkable resilience and power.

The match began with Alcaraz asserting his authority, breaking Baez early in the first set.

However, a moment of concern rippled through the arena when Alcaraz appeared to twist his left ankle during a rally. He immediately clutched his foot, prompting a medical timeout and casting a shadow of doubt over his continuation. Fans held their breath as the physio attended to him, but after a brief assessment, Alcaraz bravely decided to continue.

Remarkably, the injury scare seemed to fuel Alcaraz's determination.

He returned to the court with renewed focus, demonstrating incredible agility and hitting an array of powerful forehands and delicate drop shots that left Baez scrambling. The Argentine, despite his best efforts, struggled to contain the relentless pressure from the top seed.

Alcaraz quickly regained his rhythm, closing out the first set with a flurry of winners.

The second set saw an even more dominant display from the Spaniard. Moving freely and showcasing his full repertoire of shots, Alcaraz broke Baez repeatedly, racing to a commanding lead. His serve was potent, his groundstrokes piercing, and his court coverage exceptional, leaving no doubt about his fitness or form.

The convincing win sets up a second-round clash for Alcaraz against fellow Spaniard Pedro Cachin, who defeated Taro Daniel earlier.

This victorious return to the court not only marks a strong start to his Tokyo campaign but also sends a clear message to his rivals: even after a Grand Slam victory and an injury scare, Carlos Alcaraz remains a formidable force in men's tennis, ready to conquer new challenges.