Carlos Alcaraz is back where he belongs — lifting trophies. The Spaniard defended his Japan Open title on Tuesday in Tokyo, beating Jiri Lehecka 7-6, 6-4 in the Kinoshita Group final at Ariake Tennis Park.
It is Alcaraz's third title of 2026, following the Australian Open and Doha, and comes after a four-month layoff with a wrist injury that had threatened to derail his season. The victory improved his 2026 record to 35-4.
With the year-end swing now underway, Alcaraz's return to full fitness and form makes him the man to beat heading into the closing stretch of the ATP season.
