Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz showed his champion’s grit on Monday, digging deep to overcome a mid-match wobble and defeat fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 in a thrilling semi-final clash at the Japan Open.
The world No. 3 appeared to be cruising early in the opening set after carving out a 5-3 lead. However, a sudden flurry of unforced errors and double faults saw Munar seize control, winning 16 consecutive points to shockingly snatch the first set 7-5.
Refusing to let the match slip away, the seven-time Grand Slam champion raised his intensity in the second set, utilizing blistering forehands, delicate drop shots, and dominant net play to force a decider. With momentum firmly on his side, Alcaraz tore through the final set 6-1 in two hours and 31 minutes to lock in his spot in the Tokyo showpiece.
“I don’t know what happened in the first set… it seems like I’m struggling every first set, but the way that I come back every time, I’m just really happy about it,” Alcaraz admitted after the grueling victory.
The victory marks Alcaraz’s first final since returning from a right wrist injury earlier this season, putting him one win away from retaining his crown at the Ariake Colosseum. He will face Czechia’s Jiri Lehecka in Tuesday’s grand finale.
Do you think Carlos Alcaraz will successfully defend his Japan Open title in the final? Share your match predictions in the comments section below!
