Alcaraz downs Fritz to win Japan Open Title

World number one Carlos Alcaraz claimed the Japan Open crown on Tuesday after defeating American Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in the final, securing his eighth title of the season and reaffirming his dominance in men’s tennis.

The win came as redemption for Alcaraz, who had suffered a rare defeat to Fritz at the Laver Cup in San Francisco earlier this month, his first loss to the American in four meetings, just after lifting the US Open trophy.

In what was his ninth consecutive final appearance, the Spaniard outclassed the 2022 Tokyo champion to round off another impressive run.

The 22-year-old had raised concerns last week after a foot scare during his opening match in Tokyo but showed no lingering issues as he powered to his 67th win of the year and the 24th tour-level title of his career.