World number one Carlos Alcaraz triumphed over Taylor Fritz with a score of 6-4, 6-4 at the Japan Open, securing his eighth ATP title of the year in Tokyo.
Alcaraz, who appeared unaffected by an ankle injury he sustained in the first round, broke Fritz’s serve at 5-4 and successfully served out the first set.
Fritz required treatment on his left thigh twice before the second set, allowing Alcaraz to capitalize on the situation and apply pressure.
Although Fritz was broken twice and fell behind 4-1, he managed to fight back slightly in the later stages, but ultimately could not overcome the six-time Grand Slam champion.
Since his loss to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon in July, Alcaraz has claimed three consecutive ATP titles: the Cincinnati Open, the US Open, and now the Tokyo Open.
With this victory, Alcaraz has achieved 67 wins this season, closing in on Sinner’s 73 wins from 2024.
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Meanwhile, Sinner advanced to the final of the China Open in Beijing after defeating Alex de Minaur 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.
Sinner is aiming for his second title at this event after winning it in 2023, having lost last year’s final to Alcaraz.
Learner Tien will face Sinner in Wednesday’s final after Daniil Medvedev had to retire during their semi-final match in the third set.
This marks the first time the 19-year-old American has reached the final of an ATP Tour event.
Medvedev won the first set 7-5, but Tien rallied to take the second set.
In the third set, Medvedev struggled with cramps and had a tense exchange with the umpire after being warned for not putting forth his best effort.
At the time of Medvedev’s retirement, Tien was leading 4-0 in the final set.
