There is an oft-used phrase in physiotherapy circles that uses the term \u2018red zone\u2019 when they are describing the physical condition of an athlete and it felt like Carlos Alcaraz was getting close to that over the last few years.<\/p>\n
His ankle twist early in his run to the Japan Open title was a worrying shock for the world No 1, who feared he had picked up a serious problem as he lay on the floor and appeared to be reluctant to put weight on his foot in his match against Argentina\u2019s Sebastian Baez.<\/p>\n
The bolt of pain Alcaraz felt in that moment of panic sent shock waves through the tennis world and even after he got back on his feet and beat Baez, Alcaraz admitted he didn\u2019t know if he would play his next match.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was tough,\u201d said Alcaraz after he won against American Brandon Nakashima. \u201cIt was a really important day and a half that I had to recover as good as I can.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said before and I\u2019m going to say it again, I have the best physio in the world, who I trust 100 per cent and the work he has done for the ankle I think has been great.<\/p>\n
More Tennis News<\/p>\n
Japan Open prize money & ranking points won by Alcaraz, Fritz, Ruud, Brooksby & co revealed<\/a><\/p>\n WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz blasts umpire after getting code violation at Japan Open<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI could play, I would say, normally. I was worried about some movements on the court where I could feel the ankle, but in general, I think I played a great match.\u201d<\/p>\n Such is Alcaraz\u2019s brilliance that he found a way to manage the ankle that was heavily strapped all week and find a way to beat Taylor Fritz in the final, collecting his eighth title of his most successful season yet.<\/p>\n Tennis needs Alcaraz more than any other player and the threat of the biggest name in the sport picking up a serious injury should worry all who love the sport, so there may be a collective sigh of relief that he has decided to pull out of the upcoming Shanghai Masters.<\/p>\n Alcaraz was disappointed to confirm the news after his win in Japan, but this announcement, released through his social media platforms, should be welcomed for a number of reasons.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very disappointed to announce that I won\u2019t be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year,\u201d said Alcaraz.<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, I\u2019ve been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover. I was really looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans in Shanghai again. I hope to be back soon and see my Chinese fans next year.\u201d<\/p>\n Fans in Shanghai will be disappointed to miss out on the chance to see the renewal of the rivalry between Alcaraz and his Jannik Sinner and tennis insiders may also suggest the young Spaniard should have pulled out of the Shanghai event before the draw was made, with his absence as No 1 seed leaving the top half of the draw a little open.<\/p>\n Blink twice if Sinner is making you record this pic.twitter.com\/Ne3EjQluKK<\/a><\/p>\n