Carlos Alcaraz has returned to championship form, lifting the Japan Open trophy in Tokyo on Tuesday after an eight-month title drought. The Spanish star overcame Jiri Lehecka with a 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory.
This triumph is Alcaraz's first individual title since February and comes in only his third tournament back after a four-and-a-half-month lay-off due to a wrist injury. It is also his second consecutive Japan Open title.
Alcaraz expressed his happiness to Sky Sports, stating, “I’m really happy to be able to lift a trophy again. It’s been a while and obviously it’s extra special after my injury.” He added that despite a challenging week, he found solutions and played his most consistent match in the final.
The world number 19, Lehecka, started strongly, leading 3-1 in the opening set before Alcaraz levelled. Alcaraz then secured the tie-break by winning five consecutive points from 2-4. A crucial break in the seventh game of the second set put Alcaraz 4-3 ahead, leading to his eventual victory.
Earlier in the season, Alcaraz won the Australian Open, completing a career Grand Slam, and then lifted a trophy in Doha before his injury. He now aims for a strong finish to the season, particularly as rival Jannik Sinner has confirmed he will not play again in 2026 due to a knee injury that has sidelined him since July.