World number one Carlos Alcaraz triumphed over Taylor Fritz with a 6-4, 6-4 victory at the Japan Open, marking his eighth ATP title of the year. However, shortly after this victory, Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Shanghai Masters, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his health. On Instagram, the Spanish player expressed, “Unfortunately, I’ve been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover.”
Alcaraz sustained a twisted left ankle during the opening-round match in Tokyo, but this did not seem to hinder his performance in the final against Fritz. Demonstrating his prowess, Alcaraz broke Fritz’s serve at a crucial moment to serve out the first set at 5-4. Throughout the match, Fritz, who required treatment for his left thigh, struggled to maintain momentum, allowing Alcaraz to break his serve twice more in the second set.
Despite some late resistance from Fritz, Alcaraz maintained control, securing another championship to his name. With this victory, Alcaraz extends his recent winning streak, following his successes at the Cincinnati Open and US Open after his July defeat to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon.
Although Alcaraz will not be participating in the Shanghai Masters—a tournament where he advanced to the quarter-finals last year—his win at the Japan Open marks his 67th victory this season. He now inches closer to Jannik Sinner’s impressive tally of 73 wins in 2024, showcasing a promising future for the young tennis star.