Alcaraz beats Lehečka to retain Japan Open title

Carlos Alcaraz beat Jiří Lehečka in the Japan Open final on Tuesday to retain his title. The defending champion defeated the Czech player 7-6, 6-4, continuing his comeback after a wrist injury.

The match began uncertainly at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo: the opening service game was lost, before a break to level at 3-3 brought the contest back on terms. The first set then went to a tie-break. Unusual errors gave Lehečka hope, but Alcaraz seized the advantage with a deft drop shot behind the net.

In the second set, a break put Alcaraz 4-3 ahead and in a strong position. He went on to seal the match when Lehečka made an error on match point.

The 23-year-old Alcaraz has now claimed his third title this year, following the Australian Open and the Qatar Open. He then spent nearly five months away from the court before returning to competition at the US Open, at the end of August. His Japan Open victory adds to that comeback and sends him away from Tokyo with the trophy he already held.