Carlos Alcaraz, Spain’s world No. 3, defeated Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 in Tokyo on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, to win the Japan Open and claim his first title since returning from a four-month wrist injury layoff.
The top seed and defending champion had to withstand a determined challenge from world No. 19 Lehecka before securing his 27th career title and third trophy of the 2026 season.
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The victory marks Alcaraz’s first tournament triumph since the Qatar Open in February and provides an encouraging boost after his extended spell on the sidelines.
The 23-year-old Spaniard has now competed in three tournaments since returning from injury, reaching the quarter-finals of the US Open and appearing at the Laver Cup before making a successful defence of his Japan Open crown.
Alcaraz admitted that returning from a significant injury brought uncertainty, particularly over whether he could regain his previous level.
“A lot of negative thoughts come to your mind: if you’re going to come back healthy, if you’re going to be the same as I was before,” Alcaraz said.
“A lot of thoughts came to my mind, but I tried to put those thoughts away all the time.”
Lehecka made the stronger start in the final, breaking Alcaraz’s serve in the opening game and refusing to allow the Spaniard to settle into his rhythm.
Alcaraz responded with a break of his own during a lengthy exchange midway through the opening set before producing a powerful display of baseline tennis.
The Czech remained difficult to break down, forcing the set into a tie-break. Alcaraz eventually prevailed 7-4 after producing two spectacular drop shots at crucial moments.
Lehecka continued to test the defending champion in the second set, but Alcaraz found the decisive breakthrough midway through the set.
Once ahead, the Spaniard maintained his composure and avoided mistakes to close out the match in straight sets.
The victory came on the same day that world No. 1 Jannik Sinner announced that he was ending his season early because of an ongoing knee injury, adding further significance to Alcaraz’s return to winning form.
Alcaraz entered the final with a 3-1 career head-to-head advantage over Lehecka, who was seeking his first title of the season.
The Spaniard’s success also comes after he withdrew from last year’s Japan Open shortly before the tournament after winning the title in Tokyo, citing physical issues and criticising the demands of tennis’ crowded schedule.
His latest triumph suggests a more positive chapter following those concerns and his subsequent injury absence.
Alcaraz is scheduled to continue his Asian swing at the Shanghai Masters, which begins on Wednesday.
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The Japan Open victory gives the Spaniard renewed momentum as he looks to build on his successful return and add to what has already been a productive 2026 season.
