World No 1 Alcaraz Reaches Japan Open Final After Ruud Comeback

World number one Carlos Alcaraz showcased resilience and skill to reach the Japan Open final after a comeback win against Casper Ruud, dropping the first set but winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. This victory marked his 66th win of the season and placed him among tennis legends Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic with nine consecutive ATP finals appearances. Alcaraz will face second seed Taylor Fritz, who reached the final by defeating Jenson Brooksby and boasts strong serving performance, including 13 aces in his semi-final match. The upcoming final is especially significant as Alcaraz seeks revenge for a recent loss to Fritz at the Laver Cup. Earlier in the tournament, Alcaraz had also secured straight-set wins over Brandon Nakashima and Zizou Bergs, demonstrating dominant form en route to the final. Fritz’s consistent season, including grass-court titles and strong baseline play, sets the stage for a highly anticipated final clash between these top-ranked players.