Carlos Alcaraz has offered a candid update on his ankle injury ahead of the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia. After withdrawing from the Shanghai Masters and playing through discomfort at the Japan Open, the world No.1 confirmed that his condition has improved, though he’s still not fully confident in his movement.
“Everything is going well with my ankle. I wouldn’t say I feel at 100%, I still have some doubts when I move around the court but I think it has improved a lot and I’m going to compete and perform well at the Six Kings Slam,” he said to the Associated Press.
From Tokyo Pain to Saudi Ambition
Alcaraz sustained the injury during his opening match at the ATP 500 in Tokyo last month, where he rolled his ankle against Sebastian Baez. Despite visible discomfort, he pushed through the tournament and won the title, defeating Taylor Fritz in the final. His resilience earned praise, but the lingering effects of the injury forced him to skip Shanghai.
Now, he’s set to face Fritz again in Riyadh, in what will be his first match since their Japan Open showdown. The Six Kings Slam, known for its high-profile matchups and record prize money, will test Alcaraz’s readiness on a global stage.
Confidence Despite Doubts
While Alcaraz admits to lingering uncertainty, his determination to compete remains strong. The Spaniard has built a reputation for mental toughness and explosive athleticism, and his return to action is highly anticipated.
“I think it has improved a lot,” he emphasized, suggesting that while not fully healed, the ankle is stable enough for high-level play.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 season looming, Alcaraz’s performance in Saudi Arabia could set the tone for his upcoming campaign. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he handles the physical demands and whether his movement matches his usual intensity.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
Ranked no.1, Alcaraz played his last match on the 30th of September when he beat world no.4 Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 in the final in Tokyo to win his 25th career title.
During this season Carlos has achieved a composed 67-7 record. The Spaniard conquered 8 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Tokyo. Alcaraz reached the final in Barcelona and Wimbledon.
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). The main draw will start on the 27th of October.