Carlos Alcaraz has torn through his quarter of the draw to reach the final four at the Japan Open.
The Spaniard has yet to drop a set in Tokyo, having earned dominant victories against Sebastian Baez, Zizou Bergs, and Brandon Nakashima.
He became just the fourth player since 1990 to reach nine consecutive semifinals at tour-level events, following Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, and has done so while nursing an ankle injury.
Alcaraz suffered an injury scare in his match with Baez, and although he has been able to continue his debut campaign at the Japan Open, the world number one admitted he is still concerned about it.
Carlos Alcaraz gives an update on his ankle injury in Tokyo
Giving an update on his fitness in a press conference after beating Nakashima, he said: “Today, I intended to play more aggressively than usual.
“I wanted to make my opponent run more than I run, so there were many instances where I chose big shots.
“I am still a bit concerned about my ankle,” said Alcaraz, who triumphed over Nakashima 6-2, 6-4.
“I tried not to run to the sides forcefully and paid attention to my steps. However, I think the play itself was overall good.”
Carlos Alcaraz’s semifinal opponent at the Japan Open
Alcaraz‘s semifinal opponent at the Japan Open comes in the form of Laver Cup teammate Casper Ruud, whom he will play for the first time since 2024.
The two last clashed on tour in the round robin of the ATP Finals at the end of last season, where Ruud clinched his first victory over the six-time major champion.
Prior to that, Alcaraz had emerged victorious in all four of their previous meetings, including the 2022 US Open final, where he claimed a maiden Grand Slam title.
The Norwegian has been in a hot run of form recently, and will look to battle past the best player in the world for a second time en route to the final.
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