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2025.10.01 13:48 GMT+8

Alcaraz pays back Fritz and takes the Japan Open title

Updated 2025.10.01 13:48 GMT+8
Sports Scene

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain holds the victor's trophy after winning the men's singles title at the ATP Japan Open at Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan, September 30, 2025. /VCG

Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz beat No. 5 Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in the ATP Japan Open final on Tuesday for his eighth singles title this year. It also could be Alcaraz's last match for a few weeks as he later announced he will skip the Shanghai Masters that opens on Wednesday.

"I've been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover," Alcaraz wrote in an Instagram post.

He injured an ankle in the first round but overcame that and dropped only one set in Tokyo. Alcaraz's 24th career singles title was clinched with a deft, sliced drop shot winner and reversed a loss in two sets last week to Fritz at the Laver Cup team event.

The Spaniard also improved his season record to a tour-best 67-7 as he stayed on course for the season-ending No. 1 ranking. The final in Tokyo was a ninth straight for Alcaraz since March when he lost in the round of 64 at the Miami Masters. He is 7-2 in those finals, with one of the losses coming at Wimbledon to Jannik Sinner.

Source(s): AP
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