Previously, Alcaraz won the Japan Open, claiming a trophy in just his third tournament since injuring his wrist in April. The Spaniard recovered from an early break to beat Czech Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 and successfully defend his title in Tokyo. Alcaraz only returned to competitive tennis at the US Open in August, where he reached the quarterfinals before losing in five tight sets to Ben Shelton. It is Alcaraz’s third title at the Japan Open. “It’s very special after my injury,” said the 25-year-old. “It was a difficult week in which I didn’t find my best tennis, my best level, but I did find good solutions. “I think that’s what matters in the end.”
