Alcaraz captures Japan Open title with straight-sets win over Fritz
Carlos Alcaraz claimed his eighth title of the year after defeating Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in the Japan Open final on Tuesday.
The world number one overcame an ankle injury sustained in his opening match in Tokyo to produce another dominant display, lifting the trophy on his debut appearance at the tournament. Alcaraz sealed victory with a disguised drop shot before embracing Fritz at the net.
“First time in Tokyo, first title here, hopefully not the last one,” said Alcaraz. “The start of the week was not really good with the ankle, and the way that I came back from that, playing a great tournament and great matches, I’m just really happy about it.”
The 22-year-old Spaniard, winner of the US Open earlier this season, has now reached 10 finals in 2024, matching a feat last achieved by Rafael Nadal in 2017. His win also avenged a recent Laver Cup loss to Fritz.
Alcaraz broke serve in the ninth game of the first set and immediately carried the momentum into the second, racing to a 4-1 lead with punishing forehands. Although Fritz pulled one break back, Alcaraz closed out the match on serve.
