World number one Carlos Alcaraz claimed his eighth ATP title of the year with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Taylor Fritz in the Japan Open final, Afrosport reports.
The 22-year-old, who claimed his 24th career title, injured his ankle earlier in the week but showed no signs of slowing down, breaking at 5-4 to seal the opening set.
Fritz needed treatment on his left thigh during the match and struggled to keep pace in the second, as Alcaraz raced into a 4-1 lead. The American pulled one break back but could not prevent Alcaraz from closing out the win.
“I want to start with Taylor,” Alcaraz said. “Such a great tennis player, such a great athlete. It’s always really tough playing against you. Congrats for a great tournament to you and your team.. All the best for the rest of the season.”
The triumph continues a fine run for the six-time Grand Slam champion, who has now won three titles on the bounce. Since losing to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon in July, Alcaraz has won at Cincinnati, the US Open and Tokyo.
The Spaniard became the sixth player to win at least eight titles in a single season since 2000, joining Jannik Sinner (2024), Andy Murray (2016), Novak Djokovic (2011 & 2015), Rafael Nadal (2005, 2008 & 2013), and Roger Federer (2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007).
It also marks his 67th victory of the season, closing the gap on Sinner’s tour-leading tally of 73 in 2024.
Shortly after, Alcaraz announced that he has pulled out of the Shanghai Masters, which begins on Tuesday. He took to social media to reveal the news, adding that “the best decision is to rest and recover”.
“I’m very disappointed to announce that I won’t be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year!” Alcaraz wrote on Instagram. “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.
“I was really looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans in Shanghai again. I hope to be back soon and see my Chinese fans next year!”
