Carlos Alcaraz retains Japan Open title in big step following injury layoff

TOKYO (AP) — Following a 4 1/2-month injury layoff, Carlos Alcaraz successfully defended his Japan Open title in a major step in his career. The 19th-ranked Spanish player required two tournaments after recovering from a right wrist injury in late August. Alcaraz defeated Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (4), 6-4 in the final.

Returning from the U.S. Open quarterfinals, where he lost to Ben Shelton, Alcaraz has been wearing a compression sleeve on his right arm since his return. His win marked his third title of the year and his first since claiming the Australian Open Grand Slam title in February.

At the start of the year, Alcaraz had already secured his seventh Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. In the final, Lehecka entered with a six-match winning streak. Despite leading the Czech Republic past the United States in the Davis Cup Final, Lehecka struggled in Tokyo, winning only his opening four matches.

Alcaraz led 3-3 in the tiebreaker before breaking Lehecka’s serve once more to clinch victory.