Carlos Alcaraz has successfully defended his Japan Open title after beating Jiri Lehecka 7-6, 6-4 in the final in Tokyo on Tuesday, October 6.
The Spaniard held his nerve to win a tight opening set tiebreak before breaking Jiri Lehecka in the second set to secure his second consecutive Japan Open title.
Alcaraz won 69 points to Lehecka’s 60 and converted two of four break points, while the Czech managed one break from three opportunities. The Spaniard was also stronger on return, winning 23 receiving points compared to Lehecka’s 12.
Lehecka served seven aces without a double fault, while Alcaraz produced four aces and one double fault. Alcaraz landed 67 per cent of his first serves and won 85 per cent of those points. He also won 72 per cent of points behind his second serve, compared to Lehecka’s 54 per cent.
The victory improves Alcaraz’s 2026 record to 35 wins and four defeats and gives him his third title of the season.
He began the year by winning his maiden Australian Open title, completing the career Grand Slam, before adding the Doha title. He also reached the Monte Carlo final.
A wrist injury then kept Alcaraz out for more than four months before his return at the US Open. He has since regained his form, including helping Team Europe win the Laver Cup.
Alcaraz reached the Japan Open final after fighting back to beat Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 in the semi-finals, while Lehecka defeated Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-2. The title extends Alcaraz’s winning run at the Japan Open after he claimed his first crown in Tokyo in 2025.
