Carlos Alcaraz wins Japan Open to reach 27 career titles, Yahoo Sports reports

Carlos Alcaraz claimed his third title of the year and his 27th career title by defeating Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (4), 6-4 at the Japan Open, Yahoo Sports reported. The victory marks his first title since returning from a five-month absence caused by a right wrist injury.

Alcaraz Climbs Past Andy Murray in ATP Title Count

The win in Tokyo moves Alcaraz past Andy Murray’s career total of nine ATP titles, giving the Spaniard 10 titles overall. Only the Big Three now sit ahead of him in career tournament victories: Roger Federer with 16, Rafael Nadal with 15, and Novak Djokovic with 15, who recently claimed a title in Beijing.

Alcaraz also achieved a historical milestone by becoming the first man to successfully defend his Tokyo title this century, a feat last accomplished by Pete Sampras during the 1993-94 seasons. The triumph marks the sixth time Alcaraz has successfully defended a title in his career and snaps a 227-day title drought that stretched back to his previous successes.

Resilient Run Through Tough Tokyo Draws

Coming off a late-night, five-set quarterfinal loss to Ben Shelton at the US Open, Alcaraz won several tough matches in Tokyo. Every one of his five matches in the tournament required either a tiebreak or a deciding third set. In the final, Lehecka pressed the world number three immediately by breaking serve in the opening game. Alcaraz responded with a backhand winner up the line to level the first set at 3-3 before dominating the tiebreak by winning six of the final seven points.

Upsets across the tournament — including early exits for Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, and Rafael Jodar — meant Alcaraz never had to face a top-15 player during his week in Japan. “I’m really happy about it. A tough week. “Playing the most important points the best you can. I think I did it this week.”

Favorable Draw Awaits in Shanghai

With the Tokyo trophy secured, Alcaraz shifts his focus to the Shanghai Masters for his third appearance at the tournament, where his previous best result was a quarterfinal run in 2024. Following a first-round bye, he will open play on October 9 against the winner of the match between Juan Manuel Cerundolo and Nicolas Mejia.

If Alcaraz advances to the Round of 16, he could face Tommy Paul or Valentin Vacherot, the defending champion from 2025. A potential quarterfinal matchup features a crowded field of contenders including Felix Auger-Aliassime, Arthur Fils, Daniil Medvedev, and Taylor Fritz. Meanwhile, world number one Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, and Ben Shelton are positioned on the opposite side of the draw.