Carlos Alcaraz poses with ball kids and the trophy after winning the final against Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka. (Reuters Photo)
Carlos Alcaraz completed a successful return from a lengthy injury layoff by retaining his Japan Open title on Tuesday, beating unseeded Czech Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4 in the final. The ATP 500 triumph came in only his second tournament since returning from a wrist injury that kept him sidelined for nearly five months. 3 began the final nervously, dropping his serve in the opening game, but quickly settled and raised the intensity. 19 Lehecka with a powerful backhand to level the first set at 3-3 and gradually took control of the contest. Alcaraz then took control midway through the second set, breaking Lehecka to move 4-3 ahead. The 23-year-old will now turn his attention to the Shanghai Masters, where he will face Juan Manuel Cerundolo or a qualifier in his opening match. The ATP 1000 tournament’s main draw begins on Wednesday, with Alcaraz carrying the momentum of his successful Tokyo title defence into the next stage of his comeback.
“I’m really happy to be able to lift a trophy again,” Alcaraz said. The Spaniard, who endured a slow start yet again, eventually found his rhythm to claim his third title of the year and 27th overall. The world No. He broke world No. He completed the victory by forcing an error on match point before celebrating enthusiastically with his team courtside. “It’s been a while and obviously it’s extra special after my injury and my comeback, in the second tournament that I’m playing.