Alcaraz defends Japan Open title in Tokyo, first since 1994
Synopsis
Carlos Alcaraz didn't just win a tennis match in Tokyo — he made history. By defending his Japan Open title, he became the first man since Pete Sampras in 1994 to do so, and completed a remarkable comeback from a wrist injury that had kept him off tour for months. Only his second tournament back, and he already has a trophy.
Key Takeaways
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4 in the Japan Open final on 6 October 2026 at the Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo .
Alcaraz is only the third man to defend the Japan Open title, and the first since 1994 .
The previous back-to-back champions were Stefan Edberg (1989–1991) and Pete Sampras (1993–1994).
The trophy is Alcaraz's first since February , following a prolonged absence due to a wrist injury .
The victory came in just his second tournament back from injury.
Carlos Alcaraz clinched his second consecutive Japan Open title on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, defeating Czech player Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4 in a 96-minute final at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo. The victory marks the Spaniard's first trophy since February, following a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a wrist injury.
Historic Feat in Tokyo
With the win, Alcaraz became only the third man in history to defend the Japan Open title — and the first since 1994. Before him, only Stefan Edberg and Pete Sampras had achieved back-to-back titles in Tokyo. Edberg won the tournament three consecutive times between 1989 and 1991, while Sampras claimed back-to-back titles in 1993 and 1994.
How the Final Unfolded
Alcaraz found himself on the back foot immediately, losing his serve in the opening game of the match. He recovered to break World No. 19 Lehecka and level the score at 3-3, before the first set was forced into a tie-breaker. Trailing 2-4 in the breaker, the Spaniard reeled off five straight points to claim the set. In the second set, a crucial break of Lehecka's serve proved enough to seal the contest.
Comeback After Injury
The Japan Open triumph carries extra weight given Alcaraz's recent injury absence. The title is his first since February, and only his second tournament back following his return from the wrist problem. Speaking after the final, Alcaraz said: 'I'm really happy to be able to lift a trophy again. It's been a while, and obviously it is extra special after my injury. My comeback, in the second tournament that I've played, lifting a trophy means a lot.'
Reflecting on the week's performance, he added: 'A tough week. I didn't find my best level, but I did find the good solutions, and I think that is what matters at the end. Playing the most important points the best you can. I think I did it this week. I would say today was the best match of the week, or at least more consistent, the level that I played.'
Mental Battle Through the Injury
Alcaraz acknowledged the psychological toll of his injury lay-off, saying: 'Obviously, a lot of negative thoughts come to your mind. If you are going to come back healthy, if you are going to come back the same as I was before. If I will be able to hit the ball normally without pain at all.' He credited his team's support for helping him block out those fears, noting that trust in himself and his support staff ultimately paid off.
What's Next
The win will boost Alcaraz's confidence and ranking heading into the final stretch of the ATP season, with the Paris Masters and ATP Finals on the horizon. Having rediscovered his trophy-winning touch at just his second event back, the Spaniard will be among the names to watch as the hard-court and indoor season concludes.
Point of View
As he himself admitted, underlines a maturity that separates elite champions from contenders. The more interesting question is what this does to the race for the ATP Finals: a player of Alcaraz's calibre, now rust-free and trophy-hungry, entering the indoor season could scramble the points table considerably. The historical footnote — joining Edberg and Sampras — also points to how rare sustained dominance of any single tournament is in the modern game.
NationPress
6 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Japan Open 2026?
Carlos Alcaraz won the Japan Open 2026, defeating Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4 in the final at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo on 6 October 2026. It is his second successive Japan Open title.
When was Carlos Alcaraz's last title before Japan Open 2026?
Alcaraz's last title before the Japan Open was in February 2026, after which he missed several months of the tour due to a wrist injury. The Tokyo title is his first trophy since that February win.
Who else has defended the Japan Open title?
Only Stefan Edberg and Pete Sampras had previously defended the Japan Open title before Alcaraz. Edberg won it three consecutive times from 1989 to 1991, while Sampras claimed back-to-back titles in 1993 and 1994.
How did Alcaraz win the Japan Open final against Lehecka?
Alcaraz lost his opening service game but broke back to level at 3-3, then won a tie-breaker from 2-4 down to take the first set 7-6(4). He broke Lehecka's serve in the second set and closed out a 6-4 win, completing victory in 96 minutes.
What did Alcaraz say about his return from injury?
Alcaraz said he battled 'a lot of negative thoughts' during his injury, including doubts about returning to full fitness. He credited his team's support and his own trust in his body, saying the comeback and immediate trophy win 'means a lot'.
