Attack best form of defence for Alcaraz

World No 1 beats Nakashima 6-2, 6-4 to reach the Japan Open semi-finals

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Carlos Alcaraz

(AFP)

Carlos Alcaraz said he had to go on the offensive to protect his injured ankle after beating Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 6-4 yesterday to reach the Japan Open semifinals.

The world No 1 hurt himself during his opening match in Tokyo and he admitted after his next outing that the injury had worried him and was on his mind on the court.

The Spaniard again played with strapping showing above his left sock but it did not appear to trouble him as he brushed aside American world number 33 Nakashima with a brutal display of power tennis.