The player ranked No.1 in the world, Carlos Alcaraz, was able to win against the American Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 and grasp the Japan Open title on Tuesday, his eighth trophy this season.
The 22-year-old from Spain twisted his ankle during his first match in Tokyo, and for the rest of the matches, he had to wear a lot of strapping. Although in pain, he delivered a series of outstanding performances, with his final against fifth-ranked Fritz being the best.
Alcaraz wasted his early break opportunities but just before the end of the first set, he managed to break and then with a calm service game he closed it. On the other hand, he quickly took the lead to 4-1 in the second and with his brutal forehands he opened Fritz. The American although fighting back with a break, Alcaraz didn’t give him the chance to extend the match and was able to net the victory in under 90 minutes.
“I had a hard time with my ankle at the beginning of the week,” Alcaraz said. “Nevertheless, the manner I came back, playing stellar matches and lifting the trophy, I am really satisfied. First time in Tokyo, first title here – hopefully not the last.”
With this victory, Alcaraz got back at his loss at the Laver Cup to Fritz and widened his streak to nine consecutive finals this season.
