Carlos Alcaraz recovered from a difficult opening set to beat fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 and reach the Japan Open final in Tokyo.
The world No. 1 was pushed hard for more than two hours before taking control of the semifinal at Ariake Coliseum. Munar took the first set and briefly disrupted Alcaraz’s rhythm, but the defending champion raised his level on serve and return as the match progressed.
Alcaraz turns the semifinal around
Alcaraz endured an uneven start and at one stage lost a long sequence of points as Munar dictated rallies with depth and consistency. The match changed in the second set, when Alcaraz began stepping inside the baseline more often and creating pressure on Munar’s service games.
Once he forced a deciding set, Alcaraz accelerated. His movement improved, his forehand produced more short balls and he converted the chances that had escaped him earlier. The 6-1 final set reflected how sharply the momentum shifted.
The win continues Alcaraz’s strong return after the wrist problem that interrupted part of his season. He entered Tokyo as defending champion, having won the ATP 500 event on his debut in 2025.
Lehecka awaits in the final
Alcaraz will face Jiri Lehecka for the title. The Czech player advanced by defeating Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-2, producing a dominant serving performance and avoiding a break point throughout the match.
For Alcaraz, the final offers the chance to retain his Tokyo title and add another trophy to a season in which he has remained one of the central figures on the men’s tour. Lehecka, meanwhile, will be chasing his first title of the year.
