WATCH the Japan Open LIVE in Australia on beIN SPORTS | Subscribe here and take advantage of our 7-day FREE TRIAL

The Spaniard tweaked his ankle during his opening-round win against Sebastian Baez but moved freely during his first clash against Bergs to advance after 79 minutes at the ATP 500 hard-court event.

"It was tough and it was a really important day and a half I had to recover as good as I could," Alcaraz said when asked about his ankle.

"I have said it before and I will say it again, I have the best physio in the world, who I trust 100 per cent.

"The work he has done for the ankle has been great. I could play normally, which is great.

"Sometimes I was worried about some movements, when I could feel the ankle, but in general I played some great tennis, a great match."

Alcaraz earned a career-best 65 ATP Tour victories in 2023 and will match that tally with a win against American Brandon Nakashima in the quarter-finals.

Nakashima defeated Marton Fucsovics 7-5 6-3 to clinch his 30th win of 2025 and make the last eight.