Alcaraz wins Japan Open for first title since return from injury
The top seed and defending champion was made to work hard before beating world number 19 Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.
Carlos Alcaraz secured his first title since returning from a four-month wrist injury by defeating Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 in the Japan Open final. The top seed and defending champion faced a tough challenge from world number 19 Lehecka, but ultimately lifted his first trophy since the Qatar Open in February. Alcaraz, who had previously reached the US Open quarter-finals and appeared at the Laver Cup, admitted to battling negative thoughts during his comeback.
This victory marked his third title of the year, including the Australian Open, and the 27th of his career. The 27-year-old Spaniard went into the final with a 3-1 head-to-head record against Lehecka. Despite Lehecka breaking Alcaraz's service immediately, the Spaniard managed to break back in the first set and ultimately secured the win with a pair of spectacular drop shots in the tiebreaker.
Alcaraz will now move on to play in the Shanghai Masters, originally set to begin on Wednesday, but withdrew from last year's event due to physical issues and the packed tennis schedule.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 5 other outlets
- Alcaraz wins Japan Open for first title since return from injury freemalaysiatoday.com
- Carlos Alcaraz becomes first player since Pete Sampras to retain Japan Open timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Carlos Alcaraz takes first title since February at Japan Open sports.yahoo.com
- Djokovic wins China Open as de Minaur retires injured brecorder.com
- Alcaraz wins Japan Open for first title since return from injury punchng.com
