Carlos Alcaraz secured his first victory in a final since returning from a lengthy absence due to a right wrist injury, claiming the Japan Open trophy by defeating Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (7-4), 6-4. The Spaniard, who has not competed in a championship match since losing to Jannik Sinner at the Monte-Carlo Masters in April, successfully defended the title he captured in Tokyo last year.
Alcaraz made his competitive return in late August and progressed to the quarter-finals of the US Open, where he fell to Ben Shelton in a contest that concluded at 3:33 am. His triumph in Japan marks his inaugural tour-level title since winning in Doha earlier this year.
“It is extra special to win a title again after such a long period,” said the 23-year-old. “To capture a trophy in only my second tournament back is amazing. I did not find my best tennis all week, but I found the right solutions to win. Today I played the best match of the entire tournament, and I am really happy.”
The achievement also makes Alcaraz the first man to retain the Japan Open crown since Pete Sampras in 1994. Despite wearing a compression sleeve on his injured right arm, he demonstrated resilience against the 19th-ranked Lehecka, who had taken an early 3-1 lead. Alcaraz recovered to level the set and then dominated the tie-break, winning five consecutive points after trailing 2-4.
He broke Lehecka in the seventh game of the second set to take a 4-3 lead and sealed the victory with visible relief and delight. Alcaraz began the season by completing his career Grand Slam with a win at the Australian Open, his seventh major title, followed by a trophy in Doha before his injury enforced a hiatus.
Does this mean he is fully fit now, or is he still managing the injury? I am hopeful but cautious.
Seven consecutive points in that tiebreak was absolutely clinical. He looks ready for the hard court swing.
I was worried the wrist would limit his power, but he found creative solutions to win tough points.
First man to retain the title since Sampras? That is a serious historical footnote right there.
What a comeback! It is inspiring to see him adapt his game despite the wrist issues.