Carlos Alcaraz showed no lingering effects of an ankle injury as he swept past Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-4, 6-3 on Saturday to book his place in the Japan Open quarter-finals.
The world number one had sparked concern earlier in the week after going down awkwardly in his opening match, but he moved freely in Tokyo with white strapping visible beneath his sock.
Though he briefly limped after chasing a ball in the first set, the Spaniard quickly regained his rhythm and delighted the home crowd with trademark forehand winners.
Alcaraz wrapped up victory in just 80 minutes, sealing the contest with a powerful forehand volley.
He will face American Brandon Nakashima in the next round on Sunday, as his debut campaign in Japan gathers momentum.
