Tokyo: World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz added another trophy to his remarkable 2025 campaign by defeating Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 to claim the Japan Open. However, the Spaniard has announced he will skip this week’s Shanghai Masters, citing the need to rest and recover.
Alcaraz’s Tokyo Triumph
Alcaraz’s victory in Tokyo marked his eighth ATP title of the year and his 67th match win of the season. He dominated the final, taking advantage of Fritz’s intermittent thigh issues, and broke serve at crucial moments, finishing the match in straight sets. The Spaniard celebrated his first Japan Open crown with a signature dance after lifting the trophy, delighting fans and cementing his reputation for flair both on and off the court.
Despite twisting his left ankle during his opening-round match, Alcaraz showed no signs of injury in the final. He broke Fritz at 5-4 to seal the first set and maintained pressure throughout, leaving the American struggling to respond.
A Stellar Year for the Spaniard
Alcaraz has enjoyed a sensational run since Wimbledon, capturing titles at the Cincinnati Open, the US Open, and now the Japan Open. His 2025 season has seen him tie Alexander Zverev for the most tour-level titles among players born since 1990, with 24 titles. With three months remaining in the year, he is poised to surpass Jannik Sinner’s record of 73 wins in a single season.
Speaking after his Tokyo victory, Alcaraz reflected on his breakthrough year. “It has been my best season so far without a doubt. Eight titles, 10 finals… That shows how hard I have worked just to experience these moments and accomplish my goals,” he said. He added that despite early struggles emotionally and physically, his comeback has been immensely satisfying.
Decision to Skip Shanghai
Following his triumph in Tokyo, Alcaraz announced via Instagram that he would not participate in the Shanghai Masters. “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,” he wrote. The tournament starts Tuesday, and the decision reflects a priority on long-term health amid a grueling season.
Other Notable ATP Action
Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner advanced to the China Open final in Beijing after a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win over Alex de Minaur. Sinner is chasing his second China Open title after finishing runner-up last year to Alcaraz. In an unexpected twist, 19-year-old American Learner Tien reached his first ATP Tour final after Daniil Medvedev retired in the third set of their semi-final due to cramp, despite initially winning the opening set.
What This Means
Alcaraz’s Japan Open win underscores his dominance in men’s tennis this year and adds momentum heading into the final stretch of the ATP season. His withdrawal from Shanghai highlights the challenges even top players face in balancing competition with recovery. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how he manages the remainder of a historic campaign.