Carlos Alcaraz was recently seen with his left ankle strapped following a practice session with world No. 340 Darwin Blanch, a regular on the Challenger circuit. The sighting offers a crucial update for fans eagerly awaiting the Spaniard’s return, as he prepares to compete at the Six Kings Slams in Riyadh from Oct. 15 to 18.
What Is Carlos Alcaraz’s Injury Status Ahead of the Six Kings Slam?
Alcaraz’s coach, Samuel López, recently revealed that the Spaniard sprained his ankle during his first-round match against Sebastián Báez at the Japan Open. López explained that the decision to continue competing involved input from himself, physiotherapist Fran Rubio, and fitness coach Juanjo Moreno, and ultimately depended on Alcaraz’s ability to manage the pain.
Despite playing through the injury and clinching the Tokyo title, Alcaraz opted for rest afterward, withdrawing from the recently concluded Shanghai Masters. He secured the Tokyo crown with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Taylor Fritz and later shared the news on Instagram.
“I’m very disappointed to announce that I won’t be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year! I’ve been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe that the best decision is to rest and recover,” an excerpt of his message read.
Alcaraz’s next challenge is the forthcoming Six Kings Slam, and he seems eager to return, having been recently spotted on the court. An Instagram story shared by Blanch featured him alongside Alcaraz and his team, with the world No. 1’s left shin visibly strapped in the photo.
“Always a pleasure,” he captioned.
Alcaraz’s record speaks volumes, and at such a young age, it hints at even greater achievements ahead. With six Grand Slam titles already to his name, he enters the Six Kings Slam with a clear advantage, earning a bye straight into the semifinals.
Who Would Carlos Alcaraz Face at the Six Kings Slam?
The Spaniard is set to face the winner of a potentially thrilling clash between world No. 3 Alexander Zverev and No. 4 Taylor Fritz. Their rivalry, dating back to 2016, spans 14 encounters, with the American holding a commanding 9-5 lead over the German.
It’s worth noting that Fritz has triumphed in all six of their previous meetings, including a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory at this year’s Laver Cup, giving him an added layer of confidence heading into their upcoming clash in Riyadh.
Beyond the trio, the tournament would also feature top stars like world No. 2 Jannik Sinner, 24-time Major champion Novak Djokovic and Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas, all competing for the prestigious title and a massive $6 million prize.