Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the quarterfinals of the Japan Open, shrugging off an ankle scare to defeat Zizou Bergs 6-4, 6-3. From the first serve, I saw Alcaraz, the world No. 1, playing with the intensity of a true champion.
He trailed early but, like a coiled spring uncoiling, stormed back in the opening set and then dominated the second. I could feel the crowd’s excitement as he secured the win.
Moreover, after the match, Alcaraz paid tribute to his team – especially his physiotherapist – calling him the “best physio in the world” for getting him back on court.
Carlos Alcaraz Battles Ankle Scare to Reach Japan Open Quarterfinals
Alcaraz looked vulnerable at first when he landed awkwardly, twisting his left ankle in round one. He limped slightly, but I saw his resolve kick in immediately.
Against Bergs, he trailed 0-4 in the first set – then, as if snapping a rubber band, won four games straight to steal it. Once in front, he never let off, cruising to a 6-4, 6-3 victory.
Watching that comeback, I felt the momentum had completely shifted in his favor.
- Recovery: After going down 0-4, Alcaraz won four games in a row to take the first set.
- Injury: He had twisted his ankle earlier, but “looked none the worse for wear” in this match.
- Next up: He faces Brandon Nakashima in Sunday’s quarterfinal (Tokyo).
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He played with the confidence of a champion and reminded me why he’s already won seven titles this season. This win kept his Japan Open hopes alive and added another chapter to his dominant year.
Carlos Alcaraz Pays Tribute to His Physiotherapist at Japan Open
After the match, Alcaraz was quick to thank the team behind the scenes. Likewise, he admitted the last day was “tough” getting healthy, but then shifted the spotlight to his longtime physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno.
“I have said it before and I will say it again, I have the best physio in the world,” he said, adding that the work on his ankle “has been great.” Fans quickly identified that praised physio as Moreno, who has been with Alcaraz for years.
Moreover, for me, seeing Alcaraz give credit to his physio was as refreshing as watching a champion share a trophy with his team. It reminded me that even a top star is human.
Likewise, I felt proud – proud that this young phenom isn’t just about winning, but also about gratitude and respect. Ultimately, that tribute was just as significant as the victory itself, proving that Alcaraz’s maturity matches his talent.
Let’s go! 🔥🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/0FqnB9U5Zb
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) September 27, 2025
Watching Alcaraz today sent me a clear message: he’s a champion in results and in spirit. He stormed through the scoreline like a hurricane, but the most powerful moment was when he paused to thank his physio.
In addition, his humility and gratitude, I believe, set true champions apart from mere athletes. Ultimately, the match and his salute to Moreno felt like two sides of the same coin.
Similarly, I left Tokyo uplifted not just by the tennis, but by the example he set. Moments like these remind me why following tennis is inspiring: it’s about the human story behind the scoreboard.
Today Alcaraz proved that winning with character is the true victory.
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FAQs About Carlos Alcaraz and His Physiotherapist
Who is Carlos Alcaraz’s physiotherapist?
Carlos Alcaraz’s physiotherapist is Juanjo Moreno, his longtime trainer and trusted member of his support team.
What did Carlos Alcaraz say about his physiotherapist?
Alcaraz called Juanjo Moreno “the best physio in the world” and credited him for keeping his ankle strong and ready for competition.
What injury did Carlos Alcaraz suffer at the Japan Open?
Alcaraz twisted his left ankle during his first-round match against Sebastian Báez, but recovered quickly and continued playing the next day without major issues.
Who did Carlos Alcaraz beat to advance at the Japan Open?
He defeated Belgian player Zizou Bergs with a straight-sets victory of 6–4, 6–3, securing his place in the quarterfinals.
When will Carlos Alcaraz play his next match at the Japan Open?
Carlos Alcaraz is scheduled to face American Brandon Nakashima in the quarterfinals on September 28, 2025.
