Carlos Alcaraz reached the Japan Open final after beating fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar. The defending champion won their semi-final in three sets. The top seed overcame Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 in Tokyo. The match lasted two hours and 31 minutes. Alcaraz will now face Jiri Lehecka in the final.
Alcaraz fights back after losing opening set
Carlos Alcaraz made a strong start against Munar. He secured an early break and moved close to taking the first set. However, his level dropped during the closing stages. Munar took advantage of Alcaraz’s service problems. Alcaraz lost 16 straight points near the end of the set. He also committed four double faults during the opening set. Munar eventually took the first set 7-5. The result gave the qualifier an early advantage against the defending champion. Alcaraz responded strongly in the second set. He increased his aggression and put more pressure on Munar.
The Spaniard broke Munar’s serve three times in the set. His powerful forehands and quick returns helped him control the rallies. He also used drop shots to change the pace. Munar struggled to maintain his position on the baseline. Alcaraz won the second set 6-3 and forced a deciding set. His improved serving also helped him regain confidence.
Alcaraz dominates the deciding set
The final set belonged to Alcaraz. He continued attacking and gave Munar few opportunities. His powerful serves pushed Munar away from the baseline. His aggressive returns also created pressure during service games. Alcaraz completed the comeback with a 6-1 final set. He secured another victory in his title defence. The result puts him one win away from another Japan Open title. It also gives him a chance to claim his first singles trophy since returning from injury.
Injury comeback continues
The Japan Open represents another important stage in Alcaraz’s comeback. He suffered a wrist injury two months after winning the Australian Open. The injury forced him to miss several months of competition. Alcaraz returned at the US Open in August. He reached the quarter-finals during his first tournament back. He then represented Team Europe at the Laver Cup. Alcaraz helped Europe during its successful campaign last month. His Japan Open run now provides another positive sign. The 23-year-old appears to be regaining his rhythm and confidence. Earlier in Tokyo, Alcaraz also defeated Alex Michelsen in a three-set opening match. He later advanced after Denis Shapovalov retired during their quarter-final.
Lehecka awaits in the final
Alcaraz will meet Czech player Jiri Lehecka in Tuesday’s final. Lehecka reached the championship match by beating Valentin Vacherot. He won their semi-final 6-4, 6-2. The Czech player remains in contention for his first trophy of the season. Alcaraz, meanwhile, will look to defend his Japan Open crown. The final will test Alcaraz’s progress after his injury layoff. He will enter the match with momentum after recovering from a difficult opening set.
His victory over Munar also showed his ability to adjust during a challenging match. Alcaraz will now aim to complete his Tokyo title defence.
Alcaraz’s Australian Open final journey also marked a major moment in his 2026 season.