Resurgent Carlos Alcaraz back in the winners' circle with Japan Open title

Playing in his fourth final of the year and first since losing to Jannik Sinner at the Monte Carlo Masters, Alcaraz made a typically slow start as he was broken in the opening game of the match.

But the top seed soon found his rhythm as he got back on serve after a long, drawn-out game six before edging the tie-breaker while the crucial moment in the second set came in the seventh game when he broke the Lehecka serve.

Alcaraz eventually served it out for a 7-6 (4), 6-4 win as he won the 27th ATP Tour singles title of his career at the age of 22 while Lehecka's wait for his third career trophy continues.

"I'm really happy to be able to lift a trophy again," quipped the 23-year-old on court afterwards.

"It's been a while, and obviously it is extra special after my injury. My comeback, in the second tournament that I've played, lifting a trophy means a lot.

"I'm really happy about it. A tough week. I didn't find my best level, but I did find the good solutions, and I think that is what matters at the end. Playing the most important points the best you can. I think I did it this week. I would say today was the best match of the week, or at least more consistent, the level that I played."

Alcaraz had not played between Barcelona in April and the US Open in late August due to a wrist injury. He admitted that doubts crept in on him during that time.

"Obviously a lot of negative thoughts come to your mind," he added.

"If you are going to come back healthy, if you are going to come back the same as I was before. If I will be able to hit the ball normally without pain at all. A lot of thoughts came to my mind, but I tried to put those thoughts away all the time.

"My team and I knew that if I come back I was going to feel 100 per cent. If I feel something, [the comeback is] not going to be anything, so I just have to go full for every shot, every ball, and I trust [my team], I trust myself, and it worked out."

Last year Alcaraz earned $416,365 for winning the title and this year he received a cheque of $437,955 for his efforts. The seven-time Grand Slam winner had earned $5,145,354 so far in 2026

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