Carlos Alcaraz Wins Japan Open for First Title Since Injury Return
TOKYO: Carlos Alcaraz won his first title since returning from a four-month injury layoff after beating Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 in the Japan Open final on Tuesday.
The top seed and defending champion had to work hard against world No. 19 Lehecka before securing his first trophy since winning the Qatar Open in February.
The victory marked Alcaraz’s third tournament since returning from a wrist injury.
The Spaniard had previously reached the US Open quarter-finals and competed at the Laver Cup after recovering from the injury.
Alcaraz Overcomes Doubts After Injury
Alcaraz said he faced doubts about his fitness and ability to return to his previous level.
“A lot of negative thoughts come to your mind, if you’re going to come back healthy, if you’re going to be the same as I was before,” Alcaraz said.
“A lot of thoughts came to my mind but I tried to put those thoughts away all the time,” he added.
Alcaraz said his team remained confident about his recovery.
“My team and I knew that when I came back I was going to be healthy 100 percent,” he said.
Tough Battle Against Lehecka
Lehecka started strongly and broke Alcaraz’s serve in the opening game.
The Czech player gave the defending champion little time to settle into the match.
Alcaraz fought back during a lengthy exchange midway through the first set and immediately followed it with a powerful service game.
Lehecka continued to challenge the Spaniard and forced the opening set into a tiebreak.
Alcaraz produced two spectacular drop shots to help secure the set 7-6 (7/4).
Lehecka continued to trouble the world No. 3 in the second set.
However, Alcaraz secured a crucial break midway through the set and held his nerve to close out the match 6-4.
Alcaraz Claims Third Title of 2026
The Japan Open victory is Alcaraz’s third title of the year, following his Australian Open and Qatar Open triumphs.
It is also the 27th title of his career.
The victory came just hours after world No. 1 Jannik Sinner announced that he would end his season early because of an ongoing knee injury.
Alcaraz entered the final with a 3-1 career record against Lehecka.
The Czech player was seeking his first title of the year.
Shanghai Masters Next
Alcaraz is scheduled to compete at the Shanghai Masters, which begins on Wednesday.
He withdrew from last year’s tournament at the last minute after winning the Japan Open.
At the time, Alcaraz cited “physical issues” and criticised the demanding tennis schedule.
His latest Japan Open victory gives him momentum as he continues his return from injury.
