Alcaraz Retains His Tokyo Open Title

Carlos Alcaraz retained his ATP 500 Tokyo Open title in a competitive battle with Czech’s Jiri Lehecka. Winning in straight sets, 7-6 (4), 6-4, in 1 and a half hours.

Alcaraz saved his best tennis for the final, stopping Lehecka, who has had a formidably strong week in the Japanese capital. However, as many players have seen in the past, it’s nearly impossible to tango with Alcaraz.

The first title for the Spaniard since his wrist injury, but for Lehecka, the wait to capture a 500 title goes on.

How did Alcaraz retain his title?

The start was rough for Alcaraz; he was broken in the first game of the opening set. Struggling with his serve again and was heavily punished by his Czech opponent.

Lehecka was potent at the net and in the middle of the court, using his power to punish Alcaraz, who was being forced further behind the baseline.

Lehecka found his rhythm early, especially on serve. He was undoubtedly the strongest player on serve this week in Tokyo, winning 70% of points off his first serve in the matches before the final.

Early frustrations were visible on Alcaraz’s face who struggled to deal with the pressure from Lehecka’s racket. The 24-year-old showed great balance at the net, finessing the ball away from the speedy Spaniard.

A hold to love for both players in games two, three and four; both athletes found a solid level of performance. As always, Alcaraz’s level reached new heights, bringing the heat down onto his opponent.

Despite his strong serve, Lehecka saw a few untimely unforced errors enter his rallies. Alcaraz showcased dominance on the right side of the court, pushing shots into the Czech’s backhand.

After a near 10-minute game, Alcaraz was back on serve at three games apiece.

Neither player faced a break point or was troubled on serve, resulting in a first-set tiebreak. Lehecka drew first blood in the bout, punishing a weak Alcaraz serve and forcing an error from the Australian Open champion.

Lehecka’s rhythm was disrupted as Alcaraz finally unleashed his infamous drop shot. Winning a couple of points to get back on serve with some acute-angled drop shots out of his opponent’s reach.

Alcaraz continuously wore down Lehecka; the 23-year-old stretching the court from both flanks and won four points in a row to claim the first set. Winning the breaker 7-4.

In set two, the career slam holder found his serve in the second set. Giving Lehecka no chance at a break point.

The Spanish star was relentless and had bundles of energy to attack both flanks of the court. But his 94% first-serve point-winning percentage was the ultimate factor in his victory.

Lehecka kept pace with Alcaraz until game seven; a couple of unforced errors put him under real pressure. The reigning champion smashed a forehand winner down the tramlines to take the decisive break.

The Czech star tried finding one last surge of energy, but his efforts were futile. Alcaraz was faultless and forced his opponent behind the baseline, something Lehecka was able to do in the opener.

Alcaraz served out the match in style, pummeling the ball into the midriff of his opponent. Forcing an error, handing the championship back to its rightful owner.

Alcaraz remains undefeated in Tokyo and is the first man since Pete Sampras to win back-to-back Tokyo titles. He will carry momentum into the Rolex Shanghai Masters 1000 tournament, seeking to win a title he has yet to hold in his illustrious career.

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