Alcaraz Defends Japan Open Title with Victory Over Lehecka
Carlos Alcaraz defeats Jiri Lehecka to defend his Japan Open title, marking a successful comeback after injury.
Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz has successfully defended his Japan Open Tennis Championships title, overcoming a spirited challenge from Jiri Lehecka in the final held in Tokyo on Tuesday.
The world number three secured the hard-court ATP 500 trophy with a 7-6(4), 6-4 victory, marking his first tour-level title since his return from a significant injury layoff. The win serves as a major milestone for the multi-time Grand Slam champion, who has been battling back to peak form after a difficult 2026 season plagued by physical setbacks.
A Hard-Fought Comeback Victory
The final was a tightly contested affair that tested Alcaraz's resilience. While Lehecka pushed the Spaniard to the limit, Alcaraz utilized moments of sheer brilliance to clinch the straight-sets victory. The win is particularly significant for Alcaraz, who had been sidelined from action between Barcelona in April and the US Open in late August due to a wrist injury.
“I am really happy to be able to lift a trophy again,” Alcaraz remarked following the match. “It has been a while, and obviously it is extra special after my injury. My comeback, in the second tournament that I have played, lifting a trophy means a lot.”
Reflecting on his performance throughout the week, the Spaniard noted that while he wasn't always at his absolute peak, his ability to adapt was the deciding factor. “I did not 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,” he added.
Joining Tennis Legends in Tokyo
By securing this title, Alcaraz has etched his name into the history books of the Tokyo tournament. He becomes only the third player to successfully defend the Japan Open title, joining an elite group that includes legends Stefan Edberg and Pete Sampras.
Furthermore, Alcaraz's dominance in this category continues to grow. Following this win, his record in ATP 500 tournaments stands at an impressive 21-0, a streak that began after his previous loss to Holger Rune in the 2025 Barcelona final.
Overcoming the Mental Battle of Injury
The road back to the top was not without psychological hurdles. Alcaraz admitted that dealing with injury often brings a wave of uncertainty regarding whether a player can return to their former self.
“Obviously, a lot of negative thoughts come to your mind. 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,” Alcaraz confessed. “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... I trust my team, I trust myself, and it worked out.”