“Thinking about everything I’ve done to get here and all the hard work I’ve put in for this moment makes it even more emotional,” Alcaraz said. “So I’m just very happy and proud and I’m thankful for everything.”
The 23-year-old is only the third to defend his title in Tokyo, after Stefan Edberg, who won three in a row between 1989 and 1991, and Pete Sampras in 1993 and 1994. He successfully defends the title for the sixth time in his career.
Only Roger Federer (16), Nadal (15) and Novak Djokovic (14) have won more ATP 500 titles since the category’s inception in 2009. He is now 21-0 at that level after losing to Holger Rooney in last year’s Barcelona final.
I didn’t find my best tennis, but I found some good solutions
Alcaraz admitted he wasn’t at his best during the week. “I didn’t find my best tennis, but I found some good solutions,” he said. “In the end, what matters is playing the most important points the best you can.”
He also thanked his team for getting him back on track.
“What a journey it’s been since I got injured… It’s been so long, it’s been a really long process, very slow, with ups and downs, doubts, but also really great moments,” he told them. “All the hard work you’ve done for me to get me ready, to get in good shape, to be physically fit for my return and to make sure I don’t get injured again … it’s been incredible.”
So many titles to be won at the end of the season
Alcaraz en route defeated qualifier Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1, Canada’s Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (3), 2-1 back, Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 7-6 (6), 6-1 and American Alex Michelsen 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-1. He now leads Lehetska 4-1.
The 19th-ranked Lehecka was looking to become the first Czech to win in Tokyo since Tomas Berdych in 2008. He beat No. 8 Valentin Vacherot of Monegasque 6-4, 6-2, Paraguayan qualifier Adolfo Vallejo 6-1, Umber Vallejo 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1. 6-1, Daniel Vallejo of France. 6-4 and Belgian Zizu Bergs: 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3. He still climbs to No. 15 on Monday.
Alcaraz is now nearing the end of the season with trophies still missing from his collection. “I am very motivated for the future. Shanghai, Paris, ATP Finals, Davis Cup… these are the tournaments I would like to win one day,” he said. “This year I’m coming in motivated and prepared, so we’ll see.”
