[Singles Final]
○Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) [1] 6-4, 6-4 ●Taylor Fritz (USA) [2]
■The final of the Kinoshita Group Japan Open featured a clash between two top-five ranked players for the first time in 14 years — the last time being in 2011, when then-World No. 4 Andy Murray (UK) defeated World No. 2 Rafael Nadal (Spain). The excitement from the fans was palpable throughout the stadium. Roars of applause followed spectacular shots, while complete silence fell when the server prepared to serve — a sign of how intently fans were watching and enjoying the intense battle.
■The match itself was tightly contested. The first set progressed without a single break until the latter stages. Alcaraz missed several break point opportunities, including three in the fifth game, but finally broke Fritz's serve at 4-4. He earned break point with a backhand down the line and eventually forced an error from Fritz to take the crucial game.
■That break proved decisive. Not only did it put Fritz behind on the scoreboard, but he also began to suffer physically. “After I got broken, I started feeling pain in my left thigh, and it became difficult to generate power from my lower body for serves or to chase balls,” Fritz explained. Alcaraz seized control early in the second set and never let the momentum slip.
■“I’m really happy that I was able to play great tennis in the important moments,” Alcaraz reflected after the match. Though he missed multiple chances in the first set, much like in his semifinal match, he managed his frustration well. His patience paid off with a late-set break.
■Fritz, for his part, remarked, “I think the first set was really high level. I was enjoying just being out there playing. When you're playing that kind of good tennis, it’s just a lot of fun.” For someone battling the World No. 1 on nearly equal footing, Fritz clearly found meaning in the match. It's rare for a losing player, especially one injured mid-match, to repeatedly say it was "fun."
■Alcaraz had injured his left ankle early in his first-round match and took a moment during his on-court victory speech to thank his team for their support. His smile at the award ceremony and during the press conference reflected his relief at having pushed through a grueling tournament. Now listed among past champions like Rafael Nadal, Alcaraz said, “It’s an honor and really exciting to have my name alongside such legends.”
■Earlier in the tournament, Alcaraz had said, “I try to avoid running side to side too much, so sometimes I go for big shots.” That strategy was evident again, giving fans a show of explosive winners and delicate touch shots. All is well that ends well— it was a perfect finale.
(Japan Tennis Association)
