Japan Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz beats Taylor Fritz to win title

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in the Japan Open final on Tuesday to lift his eighth title of the season. The World number one, who sustained an ankle injury during the initial phase of the tournament, was still too hot for the American world number five. 

"The start of the week was not really good with the ankle, and the way I came back from that, playing a great tournament and great matches, I'm just really hapy about it," Alcaraz said. 

After a high-quality beginning to the match in Tokyo, Alcaraz went ahead when Fritz sent his shot long to drop serve for the first time. The Spaniard then went on to seal the opening set.

Fritz twice received treatment for a thigh problem before the start of the second set and Alcaraz seized the opportunity to put pressure on the American. The Spanish top seed raced to a 4-1 lead before wobbling on serve later. Though Fritz hit back for his first break, the 22-year-old clinched the championship on his next service game. 

"It's been a pleasure to be able to play here in Tokyo in front of the Japanese fans," said the six-time Grand Slam winner. 

"I enjoyed every single second from when I stepped on the court, less the five minutes I was on the floor with my ankle. The rest of the tournament, I enjoyed every single second."

Alcaraz withdraws from Shanghai Masters

Alcaraz then announced that he has withdrawn from the tournament in Shanghai, which starts on Tuesday. Writing on Instagram that "the best decision is to rest and recover".

"Unfortunately, I've been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover," he wrote. 

Since losing to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon final in July, Alcaraz has won three successive ATP titles- the Cincinnati Open, US Open and Japan Open. The Japan Open is Alcaraz's 67th win of the season.