Carlos Alcaraz has won the Japan Open for a second consecutive year, defeating Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (4), 6-4 in Tuesday’s final in Tokyo.
The victory is Alcaraz’s first individual title since returning from a lengthy absence caused by a right wrist injury. The Spaniard had been sidelined for around four and a half months and missed both the French Open and Wimbledon.
Alcaraz, ranked third in the world, had already shown signs of returning to his best form after reaching the US Open quarter-finals following his comeback in late August. He also helped Team Europe win the Laver Cup before arriving in Tokyo.
The final did not begin smoothly for the defending champion. Lehecka broke Alcaraz in the opening game, but the Spaniard responded by breaking back and eventually forced the first set into a tiebreak.
Alcaraz then produced his strongest tennis of the set, recovering from a 4-2 deficit in the tiebreak to win five consecutive points and take the opener. He secured another break midway through the second set before serving out the match.
The title is the 23-year-old's third of 2026, following his victories at the Australian Open and Qatar Open. It is also the 27th ATP singles title of his career.
Speaking after the match, Alcaraz said the victory was particularly special because of the uncertainty he experienced during his injury recovery. He acknowledged having doubts about whether he would return at the same level but said his confidence and commitment helped him overcome those concerns.
Alcaraz also became the first man since Pete Sampras in the 1990s to successfully defend the Japan Open title in Tokyo.
The Spaniard will now turn his attention to the Shanghai Masters, where he is scheduled to begin his campaign after his successful return to competitive tennis.