The victory in Tokyo marked the end of a challenging period for Alcaraz, who had been sidelined for four and a half months due to a wrist injury. Since his last trophy lift in Doha in February, the Spanish player missed several major tournaments before making his return at the US Open.

Alcaraz had not displayed consistent form throughout the week, but he performed at his best when it mattered most, in the championship match in Japan. He successfully defended his Tokyo title, becoming the first player to win back-to-back titles here since Pete Sampras in 1993 and 1994. This also marks Alcaraz's 27th ATP title.

Alcaraz poses with the ball kids after defeating Jiri Lehecka in the Japan Open men's singles final, at Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan on 6/10. Photo: AP

"I am very happy to lift a trophy again. This title is even more special after the injury", Alcaraz said after the match. "It was a tough week. I haven't found my best tennis, but I found the right solutions in each match. I think that's what's important."

Lehecka immediately put the defending champion to work. The world number 19 capitalized on Alcaraz's shaky start to take a 3-1 lead, before his opponent leveled the score at 3-3. In the tie-break, Lehecka again gained an advantage, leading 4-2.

However, Alcaraz won five consecutive points to clinch the first set. His ability to change pace, combining powerful strokes with drop shots, helped him turn the tide at the most crucial moment, rather than letting the match unfold purely on Lehecka's baseline rallies.

The second set was decided by a single break of serve. Alcaraz broke in the seventh game to lead 4-3, then maintained his advantage until the end of the match. After the decisive point, he celebrated with excitement, releasing the pressure accumulated during months of recovery and anticipation.

"I believe today was my best match of the week, or at least the match where I maintained more consistent form", Alcaraz commented.

The Tokyo title is the 23-year-old player's third trophy of 2026. He began the season by winning the Australia Open, completing his collection of four Grand Slams, and then triumphed in Doha. The subsequent injury interrupted what had been a promising start to the season.

Last year in Tokyo, Alcaraz defeated Taylor Fritz in the final, dropping only one set en route to the championship. This title defense required him to overcome more difficult moments, but still concluded with an ATP 500 trophy. Alcaraz will continue his campaign at the Shanghai Masters this week, where his first opponent will be Juan Manuel Cerundolo or a qualifier.

Vy Anh