Alcaraz Defends Japan Open Title After Injury Layoff

Carlos Alcaraz took another major step in his comeback from injury by successfully defending his Japan Open title with a 7-6(4), 6-4 victory over Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday.

The third-ranked Spaniard needed just two tournaments after returning from a four-and-a-half-month layoff caused by a right wrist injury to claim another trophy.

Alcaraz returned in late August and reached the US Open quarterfinals, where he lost to Ben Shelton in a match that ended at 3:33 a.m. He has continued to wear a compression sleeve on his right arm since his comeback.

Alcaraz Claims 27th Career Title

The Japan Open triumph is Alcaraz’s third title of the year and his first since winning in Doha in February. He had begun the season by claiming his seventh Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

The 23-year-old now has 27 ATP titles in his career.

Alcaraz was broken in the opening game against Lehecka but immediately fought back to level at 3-3. The Spaniard then produced his best tennis in the first-set tiebreak.

He trailed 2-4 before winning five consecutive points to take the set. Alcaraz produced a difficult recovery at his feet after a net cord, followed it with a powerful forehand return and then struck a forehand drop-shot winner.

Two missed backhands from Lehecka handed Alcaraz the opening set.

Lehecka’s Winning Run Ends

Lehecka entered the final on a six-match winning streak. The 19th-ranked Czech had won both his singles matches against the United States to help the Czech Republic qualify for the Davis Cup Final 8 before winning four matches in Tokyo.

But Alcaraz broke his serve midway through the second set and maintained his advantage.

The Spaniard then served out the match to love on his first opportunity, completing another important milestone in his return from injury.