Carlos Alcaraz retained the Japan Open title in Tokyo on Tuesday, October 6, beating Czech player Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4. Reuters and Europa Press reported the result of the ATP 500 hard-court final, which gave the Spaniard his third trophy of 2026.
The 23-year-old had already won the Australian Open and Qatar Open this season. Reuters reported that a wrist injury then kept him out for nearly five months before his return at the US Open in late August. Tokyo brought another title after that extended interruption.
Alcaraz lost his opening service game but broke back to level the first set at 3-3, according to Reuters and Antena 3. He won the tiebreak 7-4. A break for a 4-3 lead in the second set gave him the advantage he needed to finish the final without a deciding set.
The tournament's official report shows that his route to the final included a 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 comeback against fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar. The Japan Tennis Association reported that Alcaraz was still working to regain consistency after the injury, especially the ability to sustain a high level throughout matches and tournaments.
After the final, Alcaraz said lifting a trophy again had special significance following his injury and return, Reuters reported. He acknowledged that he had not played his best tennis throughout a difficult week but had found solutions. He also described doubts during his layoff about returning healthy and hitting without pain.
His next event will be the Shanghai Masters, where Reuters reported that he is due to face Juan Manuel Cerundolo or a qualifier in his opening match. The ATP 1000 main draw begins on Wednesday. The move to Shanghai follows a successful title defence in Tokyo and provides his next competitive test after the comeback.
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