Alcaraz Reaches Japan Open Semifinals Despite Ankle Roll

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Japan Open semifinals by beating Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 6-4. The win was his 65th tour-level victory of the season, equaling his career high and extending his run to a ninth straight tour-level semi-final. He had rolled his left ankle in his opening match against Sebastián Báez, briefly skipped practice amid doubts, but recovered after treatment and credited physio Juanjo Moreno for a rapid turnaround. Wearing visible strapping, Alcaraz showed little restriction on court and remains in strong form following his recent US Open success. He will face fourth seed Casper Ruud in the semifinals, while the other semi-final is set between Taylor Fritz and Jenson Brooksby.