Carlos Alcaraz successfully defended his Japan Open crown, beating Jiri Lehecka in straight sets to claim the title.

Alcaraz, who has seen his 2026 season disrupted by injury, had to fight to his 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 victory in 96 minutes in Tokyo.

It was a strong start from Lehecka, who converted his third break point in the opening game to take an early lead before then winning his first two service games to love.

However, Alcaraz bounced back in the lengthy sixth game, also converting his third break point in order to draw level at 3-3, though neither player was able to get another break.

Lehecka again went in front in the tie-break, but after going 4-2 up, Alcaraz reeled off five straight points to take the first set.

The pair were evenly matched in the early stages of the second, but it was Alcaraz who got the vital advantage in the seventh game, and he got over the line with a love-hold.

CARLOS IS BACK @japanopentennis | #KinoshitaJOTennis | @carlosalcaraz https://t.co/hMzVjtd9CJ

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 6, 2026

Alcaraz goes back-to-back

Alcaraz is just the third man to successfully defend the Tokyo title, after Stefan Edberg (three between 1989-1991) and Pete Sampras (1993 and 1994).

He also improved his record at ATP 500 level to 21-0 since his defeat to Holger Rune in the 2025 Barcelona final.

Alcaraz missed a large chunk of 2026 through a wrist injury, but he has not taken long to settle back into his rhythm, winning his first tour-level trophy since Doha in February.

In fact, it is his 27th career title overall, while this is the sixth time in his career he has defended a title, after Barcelona and Madrid (both 2022 and 2023), Indian Wells and Wimbledon (both 2023 and 2024), and the French Open (2024 and 2025).

Alcaraz had not played a showpiece match since losing the Monte-Carlo Masters in April, but he will hope this stands him in good stead going forwards for the rest of the season.