Carlos Alcaraz returns to winning ways with Tokyo title

The Tokyo victory gives Alcaraz another title after almost five months out with a wrist injury and comes just weeks before the ATP Finals in Turin

Carlos Alcaraz has ended a frustrating spell without a title by winning the ATP 500 in Tokyo, beating Czech player Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4 in the final. The victory is Alcaraz's third title of the season and his first since returning from the wrist injury that kept him out for almost five months. It also keeps him unbeaten in Tokyo, having won all ten of his matches at the tournament over the past two years.

The 23-year-old from El Palmer in the Region of Murcia had already shown at the US Open that he was getting back to his best, reaching the quarter-finals before losing to Ben Shelton. His run in Japan, however, provided a much stronger indication that the wrist problem is now behind him.

Lehecka made the better start and took an early break, but Alcaraz stayed patient and gradually turned the match in his favour. Rather than constantly looking for the biggest shot, he changed the pace of the rallies and made Lehecka work for every point. A drop shot here, a change of direction there, followed by one of his trademark forehands when the opportunity appeared. It was another reminder of just how many ways Alcaraz has of winning a tennis match.

The title takes his current world ranking points total to 5,560 and moves him to third on the Race to Turin, which determines qualification for the ATP Finals.

Alcaraz has already secured his place at the end-of-season event in Italy, but the world number one ranking is now out of reach this year. Jannik Sinner has confirmed that he won't play again until 2027, meaning Alexander Zverev will take over at the top of the rankings.

Alcaraz's attention now turns to the Shanghai Masters, which runs from October 7 to October 18. He has a first-round bye and will begin his campaign on Saturday October 10 against Juan Manuel Cerúndolo or a qualifier.

After finally getting his hands on another trophy, Alcaraz sounded relieved as much as delighted.
“It's been a long and slow process, with ups and downs, with bad moments and very good moments,” he said. “I feel very lucky to have you by my side.” For Alcaraz, the long wait for another title is finally over.

Image:X/carlosalcaraz