Carlos Alcaraz has won the Japan Open in Tokyo, claiming his first title since returning from a four-month injury layoff.
The top seed and defending champion defeated world number 19 Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 on Tuesday to lift his first trophy since winning the Qatar Open in February.
The victory came in only Alcaraz’s second singles tournament since returning from a wrist injury. He had reached the US Open quarter-finals before featuring at the Laver Cup in London last week.
Alcaraz admitted he was unsure how quickly he would rediscover his best form after the injury layoff.
“I didn’t want to take anything for granted,” he said.
“I didn’t know if I was going to win a tournament this soon or if I was going to win a tournament this season. I just want to arrive at a tournament, give my best, try to play my best and let’s see how the tournament goes.”
The victory gives the world number three his third title of the year, including the Australian Open, and the 27th of his career.
His triumph came hours after world number one Jannik Sinner announced that he was ending his season early because of a knee injury.
“I think at this tournament I was way far from my best level, but in terms of finding solutions and playing the best level that I could in the most important moments, I think it was a great week,” Alcaraz said.
“I’m really happy about lifting the trophy in the second official tournament since the injury. Hopefully it’s not going to be the last one this season.”
Alcaraz is scheduled to play at the Shanghai Masters starting Wednesday.
He withdrew from last year’s tournament after winning in Tokyo, citing physical issues and criticising the packed tennis schedule.
Against Lehecka, Alcaraz lost his serve in the opening game but broke back midway through the first set before clinching it in a tiebreak with two spectacular drop shots.
He then broke midway through the second set to seal the victory.
Alcaraz also won the Japan Open on his Tokyo debut last year after injuring his ankle in his opening match.
“Winning the tournament after my injury, back to back here, it means a lot,” he said. “Everything I’ve done to be in this position, everything I’ve worked for, for this moment, it feels even more special.”
