Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Jiri Lehecka to Defend Japan Open Crown

Carlos Alcaraz took another major step in his comeback from a lengthy wrist injury layoff by successfully defending his Japan Open title, defeating Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4 in the final on Tuesday.

The world No. 3 was forced to recover from another slow start after Lehecka broke his serve in the opening game. Alcaraz responded by breaking back for 3-3 and eventually took the opening set in a tense tiebreak.

Alcaraz fell 4-2 behind in the tiebreak but produced his best tennis when it mattered, winning five consecutive points to take control. He produced a difficult shot at his feet after a net cord from Lehecka, followed it with a powerful forehand return and then struck a forehand drop-shot winner. Two backhand errors from Lehecka handed Alcaraz the set.

The Spaniard then raised his level in the second set, breaking Lehecka midway through and holding his own serve comfortably. He closed out the championship at love on his first match point.

The victory is particularly significant following Alcaraz's 4½-month absence because of a right wrist injury. He returned in late August and reached the US Open quarterfinals, where he lost to Ben Shelton in a match that finished at 3:33 a.m. He has continued wearing a compression sleeve on his right arm since his comeback.

The Japan Open is Alcaraz's third title of 2026, following his Australian Open triumph and his Doha title in February. It is also the 27th ATP title of his career. He becomes the first player since Pete Sampras in 1994 to successfully defend the Japan Open crown.

For Lehecka, the defeat ended a six-match winning streak that included his Davis Cup victories for the Czech Republic and four wins in Tokyo.

Alcaraz will now turn his attention to the Shanghai Masters, with the tournament beginning Wednesday. His Tokyo triumph provides an important boost as he continues rebuilding his form and confidence after his injury absence.