Carlos Alcaraz scored his 10th straight Tokyo win becoming the first man in 32 years to defend the Japan Open.
Richard PagliaroOctober 6, 20262 minute read
By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Photo credit: Screen Shot
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Time away from tennis makes Carlos Alcaraz even fiercer.
The top-seeded Alcaraz defeated Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4, to successfully defend his Tokyo title today.
It was Alcaraz’s 10th consecutive victory in Tokyo as he become the first man since legendary Hall of Famer Pete Sampras (1993-1994) to defend the Japan Open crown. Alcaraz is only the third man to defend Tokyo after Sampras and fellow former No. 1 Stefan Edberg (1989-1991).
“I would say today was the best match of the week, or at least the most consistent I have played,” said Alcaraz, who has won 21 straight 500-level match since bowing to Holger Rune in the 2025 Barcelona final. “So [I’m] just really, really happy.”
It is Alcaraz’s 27th career title and first since he defeated Arthur Fils, 6-2, 6-1, to win the Doha championship last February.
This Tokyo title has special significance for Alcaraz, who was sidelined from April until the end of August due to a right wrist injury. Hoisting the Tokyo title trophy, Alcaraz collected his first championship since returning from that injury.
“Obviously, a lot of thoughts come to your mind,” Alcaraz said of his injury absance. “If you’re gonna come back healthy. If you’re gonna come back the same as before.
“A lot of thoughts came to my mind, but I tried to put those thoughts away. My team and I knew if I come back it’s gonna be 100 percent. I have to go full every shot, every ball. I trust them I trust myself and it works out.”
The youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam won his 10th ATP 500 level title. Alcaraz joins Roger Federer (16), Rafa Nadal (15) and Novak Djokovic (14) as the fourth man to collect 10 ATP 500 championships.
It was a gritty effort from the 24-year-ol Lehecka, who fell to 2-6 in ATP finals.
“It’s been a pleasure to play in front of you guys,” Lehecka told Tokyo fans. “Nevertheless, congrats Carlos it’s been a great tournament for you.”
