Carlos Alcaraz overcame a fightback from an injured Taylor Fritz to win his first Japan Open title in Tokyo and claim his eighth tournament win of the season.
But Alcaraz, who suffered an injury scare when he hurt his ankle in his opening match of the tournament, has subsequently pulled out of the Shanghai Masters this week.
The World No 1 blasted several stunning winners in taking a high quality opening set 6-4 as he converted his sixth break point against the big-serving Fritz. The American took a medical timeout to receive treatment on a left leg injury and was broken immediately at the start of the second set as Alcaraz seized control.
Alcaraz’s level dipped as he faced an ailing Fritz, and he was broken when serving for the title. But Alcaraz found his focus and put away back-to-back drop shots to close out a 6-4 6-4 win against the second seed, who had beaten Alcaraz in their last meeting at the Laver Cup this month.
Alcaraz becomes just the sixth man to reach eight titles in a single season since 2000, joining Jannik Sinner, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Alcaraz v Fritz live: Japan Open final latest score and updates
- Carlos Alcaraz defeats Taylor Fritz to win Japan Open final 6-4 6-2
- World No 1 Alcaraz captures his eighth title of the season and first Japan Open crown
- SECOND SET! Alcaraz overcomes injured Fritz to win title
- FIRST SET! Alcaraz wins high quality opener 6-4
- Carlos Alcaraz joins elite group by winning title eighth title of 2025
- Alcaraz pulls out of Shanghai Masters just hours after winning Japan Open
Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of Shanghai Masters just hours after winning Japan Open
15:06 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Shanghai Masters just hours after winning his eighth title of the season at the Japan Open.
The World No 1 defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 in Tokyo to continue his dominant form but revealed he has been “struggling with some physical issues”.
The 22-year-old overcame an injury scare in his opening match in Tokyo - where he hurt his left ankle - to win the title but will be taking no chances with his fitness.
“I'm very disappointed to announce that I won't be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year,” Alcaraz posted on Instagram.
“Unfortunately, I've been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover.”
Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of Shanghai Masters just hours after winning Japan Open
Coco Gauff in furious clash with Belinda Bencic at China Open after being accused of ‘mind games’
15:03 , Jamie BraidwoodCoco Gauff was accused of playing “mind games” by opponent Belinda Bencic during a fiery exchange at the China Open in Beijing.
Former Olympic gold medalist Bencic was unhappy with noise from the American’s coaching team during her service games at a mostly empty stadium and vented to the umpire at a changeover.
"I'm going to the line, ready to serve, they don't need to cheer," Bencic said. As Gauff attempted to interject, the Swiss player snapped back: "No one's talking to you. I haven't started. Your team is chatting. I'm too old for these mind games, okay?"
Gauff in furious clash with Bencic at China Open after being accused of ‘mind games’
Carlos Alcaraz’s fury at time violation in Japan Open final win over Taylor Fritz
14:33 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz was furious to be given a time violation in the opening set of his Japan Open triumph against Taylor Fritz.
The French Open and US Open champion hit out at umpire Fergus Murphy for the time violation, saying: “Do you think it’s normal that I finish a long point at the net and then barely have time to go for the balls, with no time to rest? Do you think it’s normal or not? OK, you’ve never played tennis in your life.”
Carlos Alcaraz’s fury at time violation in Japan Open final win over Taylor Fritz
Daniil Medvedev retires from China Open after accusing umpires of ‘intimidating’ him
13:33 , Jamie BraidwoodA cramping Daniil Medvedev accused umpires of “trying to intimidate” him as he retired from his China Open semi-final against Learner Tien when the score was 5-7, 7-5, 4-0 in the final set.
After blowing a second-set lead, Medvedev could barely walk as he took to the decider in Beijing but refused to retire even as he struggled to return any ball that was out of his reach.
The Russian was given a warning for “lack of effort” as Tien aced Medvedev with a routine serve down the middle of the court, with the 29-year-old staring towards the umpire before calling the supervisor.
Daniil Medvedev retires from China Open after accusing umpires of ‘intimidating’ him
Carlos Alcaraz gives special credit to ‘best physio in the world’ after winning Japan Open title
12:55 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz gave a “special shout-out” to his long-time physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno after winning the Japan Open title as he recovered from an injury scare in his opening match to win the title in Tokyo.
The World No 1 defeated second seed Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 to win his eighth title of the season and extend his dominant form. But it could have been a very different story after Alcaraz hurt his left ankle in his opening match against Sebastian Baez.
The 22-year-old ignored pleas from his own team to retire from the match and he recovered in time to play his second-round match against Zizou Bergs, calling Moreno “the best physio in the world” for the work he did on his ankle and saving his tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz gives credit to ‘best physio in the world’ for Japan Open title
Carlos Alcaraz thanks his physio after winning Japan Open title
12:13 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz receives a cheque of almost $420,000 as well as the Japan Open trophy.
“I want to start with Taylor,” Alcaraz says. “Such a great tennis player and athlete. Always tough playing against you and congrats for a great tournament and all the best for the rest of the season.
“My team, I’m always really lucky to have you. Special shout-out to my Juanjo [Moreno, his physio] after landing on my ankle earlier in the tournament, I’m grateful.”
Alcaraz finishes his speech by thanking the tournament organisers and the “amazing fans”. He adds Tokyo felt like home. “See you next year,” Alcaraz says to great applause. He quickly adds a “let’s see”.
Taylor Fritz: 'He's the best player in the world for a reason'
12:06 , Jamie BraidwoodTaylor Fritz congratulates Carlos Alcaraz on winning the Japan Open and says the 22-year-old is the “best player in the world”.
“First of all, congrats to Carlos on a great tournament. He’s the best player in the world for a reason and he’s also a great guy. I’m happy for the success he’s having.”
Fritz thanks his team for a “solid” week in Tokyo and adds a thanks for the fans and tournament organisers.
No mention of the injury from Fritz.
Carlos Alcaraz's titles in 2025
12:01 , Jamie BraidwoodEight titles. Three surfaces. Two grand slams. Three Masters 1000s. Three ATP 500s.
US Open (Outdoor/Hard)
Roland Garros (Outdoor/Clay)
ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati (Outdoor/Hard)
ATP Masters 1000 Rome (Outdoor/Clay)
ATP Masters 1000 Monte-Carlo (Outdoor/Clay)
Queen's Club (Outdoor/Grass)
Rotterdam (Indoor/Hard)
Tokyo (Outdoor/Hard)
Carlos Alcaraz builds on stunning 2025 season
11:58 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz has a 67-7 record in 2025, and is 51-3 since April.
He reached a 10th consecutive final in Tokyo and will look to continue that streak as the ATP moves onto Shanghai, which actually starts tomorrow.
Jannik Sinner will be there, too, and the Italian will look to win the China Open title in Beijing tomorrow.
Carlos Alcaraz joins elite group by winning title eighth title of 2025
11:54 , Jamie BraidwoodSince 2000, only six men have won eight titles in one season: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Sinner won eight last season. Alcaraz matches that and there are still plenty of opportunities for more silverware.
Carlos Alcaraz wins Japan Open title!
11:51 , Jamie BraidwoodA match of two halves for Alcaraz: he was sensational in the first set, edging out a tight battle to win 6-4.
The second set saw the same score, 6-4, but Alcaraz struggled after Fritz took a medical timeout for a left leg injury, and appeared to lose his focus.
From 5-1 down, Fritz won three games in a row to put some pressure on, but Alcaraz landed back-to-back drop shots to win the title.
It’s his eighth of the season, already the most of his career so far.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 6-4 Taylor Fritz
11:48 , Jamie BraidwoodCan Alcaraz get over the line this time? He puts away a lovely drop shot on the opening point, only to see Fritz crush the forehand return!
Alcaraz misses again on the forehand! This time he pulls it wide and Fritz has a chance in this game at 15-30.
Alcaraz steadies with the serve. 30-30. He is once again just two points away from the title... but Fritz could set up the break point.
Alcaraz with a drop shot from the gods! Stunning, right onto the line with side-spin. No chance for Fritz.
Match point: another drop shot from Alcaraz! He wins the Japan Open title for the first time!
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 5-4 Taylor Fritz
11:43 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz does it again. He holds serve with an ace out wide and now Alcaraz must come out for a second time to serve for the title!
Alcaraz looks out of sorts but needs to snap into focus to get this over the line!
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 5-3 Taylor Fritz*
11:40 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz goes for the backhand up the line, looking to move 0-30 up, but nets. He continues to look under-powered but Alcaraz has some difficulty putting him away!
Back-to-back mistakes from Alcaraz on the backhand and forehand sides offer Fritz a look at break point... and Fritz takes it with the backhand winner down the line!
Who saw that coming!
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 5-2 Taylor Fritz
11:35 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz forces Alcaraz to serve it out as he moves inside the baseline to put away the forehand winner.
He holds with an ace and stays alive - but Alcaraz will have at least two chances to serve for an eighth title of the season.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 5-1 Taylor Fritz*
11:31 , Jamie BraidwoodParty time Alcaraz is back to close out the second set. He goes from the serve-and-volley to land the forehand winner crosscourt.
He moves one game away.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-1 Taylor Fritz
11:28 , Jamie BraidwoodThat is stunning from Alcaraz! Pushed on to his backhand side, he hits a one-handed pass down the line to move to 15-30.
He then rushes the net and controls the volley to set up the smash. It brings up two break points and he takes it on the second as Fritz double nets on the backhand.
Hard to see any way back for Fritz now.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 3-1 Taylor Fritz*
11:24 , Jamie BraidwoodWhere has this come from? Alcaraz’s level has dropped sharply since Fitz started to struggle with his injury and he suddenly faces break point after a loose game.
Alcaraz recovers behind his serve and holds with the serve-and-volley. But a little reminder to Alcaraz that this final is not done yet.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 2-1 Taylor Fritz
11:17 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz finds some power to push off his left leg and blasts a couple of winners, which is encouraging. His serve is back, too, and Alcaraz slices out.
The trainer will come back out to see to Fritz during the sit-down and he’s getting some heavy strapping on that left leg.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 2-0 Taylor Fritz*
11:15 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz fires an ace to take the hold. This final has now fallen rather flat given Fritz’s struggles here.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 1-0 Taylor Fritz
11:12 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz comes through a physical point but is grimacing between shots.
Alcaraz pulls off the drop-shot/lob combo to play a stunning backhand inside the baseline, bringing up break point.
Alcaraz scorches a forehand onto the baseline and takes the break against the wounded Fritz.
I would not be surprised to see a retirement...
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 Taylor Fritz*
11:10 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz, after a lengthy timeout, returns to the court and now must pick himself up after playing at a good level against Alcaraz but dropping the opening set.
Alcaraz immediately goes for the drop shot to pull Fritz into the net - and the American stretches out his leg after putting a backhand out of play.
This looks bad for Fritz.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 Taylor Fritz*
11:06 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz has called a medical timeout! The American is receiving some treatment on his left thigh, in the quad area.
FIRST SET! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 Taylor Fritz
11:02 , Jamie BraidwoodThis has slipped away from Fritz as he goes long on the backhand. Alcaraz moves 30-0 up in a blink and is two points away.
Alcaraz pulls Fritz in with the spinny drop-shot and then dispatches the volley into the open court.
Two set points: Fritz saves the first as he lands the forehand at Alcaraz’s feet, with the Spaniard charging in.
Fritz nets on the forehand following the crosscourt exchange and Alcaraz wins a high quality set 6-4!
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 5-4 Taylor Fritz
10:58 , Jamie BraidwoodOr maybe not! Alcaraz senses his moment and forces Fritz into the miss with the backhand down the line to bring up two more break points.
Fritz saves the first at the net, putting away the volley. He thumps the big serve but Alcaraz jumps on the return to get it back.
Fritz pushes the forehand long and slaps his racket on his knee! Ah that is frustrating from Fritz - but Alcaraz gets the break.
He will serve for the set.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-4 Taylor Fritz*
10:54 , Jamie BraidwoodStunning from Alcaraz, again! He battles through a tricky service game, responding from 15-30 down, to win one of the points of the match so far by guiding a backhand winner down the line.
He’s up to 14 winners now and could feasibly reach 20 by the end of this set...
*Carlos Alcaraz 3-4 Taylor Fritz
10:49 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz comes through another deuce games and has now saved four break points. He thumps an overhead past Alcaraz to hold.
Carlos Alcaraz 3-3 Taylor Fritz*
10:47 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz thumps an ace down the middle to get to game point but Alcaraz catches him out with a drop shot to get to deuce.
Fritz pushes a forehand wide from mid-court and Alcaraz will get a look at a fourth break point of the set.
Fritz saves as Alcaraz came into the net, but doesn’t do enough on the volley. Fritz punches the pass down the line.
Carlos Alcaraz 3-3 Taylor Fritz*
10:42 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s rare to see Alcaraz look that frustrated by he jumps into a 40-0 lead on serve and takes a routine hold as he blasts a forehand winner. Back to business.
Alcaraz reportedly told the umpire Fergus Murphy: "Do you think this is normal? You never played tennis in your life!"
He was unhappy with how quickly Murphy was restarting the shot-clock.
*Carlos Alcaraz 2-3 Taylor Fritz
10:39 , Jamie BraidwoodBig hold from Fritz and Alcaraz isn’t happy! He’s arguing with the umpire Fergus Murphy, I’m not sure why, put he’s pointing at something and looks to be frustrated at not taking any of those three break points.
Ah, Alcaraz was penalised for time violation.
Carlos Alcaraz 2-2 Taylor Fritz
10:37 , Jamie BraidwoodPressure on Fritz as he gives up a double-fault to face 0-30, and Alcaraz takes full advantage as he steps in to crunch a forehand winner!
Three break points: but Fritz digs in and saves all three from 0-40 down! Alcaraz is forced into a couple of misses.
Deuce.
Carlos Alcaraz 2-2 Taylor Fritz*
10:33 , Jamie BraidwoodAh, wonderful from Alcaraz as he and Fritz trade forehands crosscourt, only to then find an even better angle to land the winner.
Fritz wins a couple of longer points after cracking Alcaraz’s defence - but Alcaraz takes the hold with a stunning backhand lob!
*Carlos Alcaraz 1-2 Taylor Fritz
10:27 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz may be winning the eye-catching points but Fritz has started well on serve and has to keep believing that he will get enough free points that way.
The American holds with a wide-serve and forehand winner down the line.
Carlos Alcaraz 1-1 Taylor Fritz*
10:24 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz takes the game with a lovely inside-out dropshot winner. He’s played four stunning shots within the first two games of the match.
*Carlos Alcaraz 0-1 Taylor Fritz
10:22 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz goes aggressive on 30-30, hitting hard to Alcaraz’s backhand and finding some success dragging him from side to side.
It brings up an early break point for Fritz.... Alcaraz saves with a backhand winner down the line! Lovely from Alcaraz as he leans into it and guides the winner.
Deuce.
*Carlos Alcaraz 0-1 Taylor Fritz
10:19 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz is still playing with some strapping around his left ankle but scorches his first winner of the final with an inside-in forehand down the line.
Fritz lands his first ace but follows it with a double-fault, but the American holds from 30-30 as Alcaraz is pushed long on the forehand.
*denotes next server
Carlos Alcaraz v Taylor Fritz
10:11 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz wins the toss and will serve first.
No other choice for the American given how well he has served this week.
Carlos Alcaraz v Taylor Fritz
10:05 , Jamie BraidwoodWe’ve got a full house in Tokyo for the Japan Open final, which will be getting underway very shortly once the players walk out onto court.
Taylor Fritz reaches second Tokyo final on form
09:47 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz has 66 ATP Tour wins this season including a 51-3 run since April, but Taylor Fritz is second for tour wins with 49 this year.
The American has as many hard-court wins this season as Alcaraz, with 33 each, but is through to his first hard-court final of the year after titles at Eastbourne and Stuttgart.
He leads the ATP Tour for aces this season and hit 13 in his semi-final win over Jenson Brooksby.
Carlos Alcaraz joins elite club by reaching 10th final of 2025
09:37 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz has reached his 10th final of the season and is aiming for his eighth title of the year against Taylor Fritz.
The Spaniard becomes just the fifth man to reach 10 finals in a season since 2000, after Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
Federer did it seven times - including four years in a row between 2004 and 2007. Djokovic and Nadal did it five times each, while Murray achieved the feat in his 2016 season.
Carlos Alcaraz on facing Taylor Fritz
09:27 , Jamie Braidwood"At the Laver Cup against me, against Alexander Zverev and in this tournament ... he's feeling great and really comfortable on the court, so I'll try to change a few things. Obviously the speed of the court and everything is different.
"It's going to be another challenge for me but I'm excited about it and I will try to take the good things I've done today and the good things I did in San Francisco ... it's going to be an interesting match and I'm excited about playing it."
Carlos Alcaraz overcomes slow start to defeat Casper Ruud
09:17 , Jamie BraidwoodWorld number one Carlos Alcaraz recovered from a slow start to beat Casper Ruud 3-6 6-3 6-4 and reach the Japan Open final where he will meet second seed Taylor Fritz with the chance to claim his eighth title of the year.
Alcaraz will also be seeking revenge in Tuesday's clash in Tokyo after a shock defeat by Fritz at the Laver Cup in San Francisco this month, his first loss to the American in four career meetings.
Carlos Alcaraz overcomes slow start to defeat Casper Ruud and reach Japan Open final
Carlos Alcaraz v Taylor Fritz head-to-head
09:07 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz leads the head-to-head 3-1, but Fritz won their last meeting at the Laver Cup, winning 6-3 6-2 in San Fransisco.
2025, Laver Cup (U.S.A.) Hard, RR, Fritz won 6-3 6-2
2025, Wimbledon (Great Britain), Grass, SF, Alcaraz won 6-4 5-7 6-3 7-6(6)
2024, Laver Cup (Germany), Hard, RR, Alcaraz won 6-2 7-5
2023, Miami (U.S.A.), Hard, QF, Alcaraz won 6-4 6-2
Carlos Alcaraz v Taylor Fritz start time
09:02 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Japan Open final will start at 10am UK time (6pm local).
It’s Alcaraz’s first appearance in the Japan Open final, on his debut in Tokyo, while Fritz is a former champion having won the tournament three years ago.
Welcome
09:00 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz aims for his eighth title of the season as the World No 1 and bids for revenge against Taylor Fritz in the final of the Japan Open in Tokyo.
Alcaraz lost to Fritz at the Laver Cup in San Francisco earlier this month, with the American producing a superb performance to beat the six-time grand slam champion for the first time.
Only Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev have more wins this season than Fritz, who is bidding for his third title of the year and looks to be high in confidence after his Laver Cup heroics for Team World.
