Carlos Alcaraz books Tokyo final showdown with Fritz after three-set win

Carlos Alcaraz dug deep to overcome both fitness concerns and a determined Casper Ruud Monday, sealing a place in the Japan Open final with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win in Tokyo.

The World No. 1 looked hampered in the early stages as he seemed to still be carrying the effects of a left ankle tweak during his opening round win against Sebastian Baez. Ruud tried to pounce on that uncertainty, breaking midway through the first set and stretching the Spaniard with some sharp angles.

However, as he has so often done this season, Alcaraz recalibrated with utter brilliance. The 22-year-old US Open champion pulled off a cleaner service performance — winning 20 of 24 points behind his delivery in the second set.

From there, he grew increasingly confident, chasing down Ruud’s drop volleys with renewed freedom of movement and turning the contest with fearless shotmaking.

“I had a lot of chances in the first set,” said Alcaraz. “I had four break points if I’m not wrong. It’s just about details, so I just tried to be more positive than the first set. I was a little bit mad with myself, so I just tried to play with joy again, putting a lot of positive thoughts in my mind.”

The two-hour and eight minute triumph marked Alcaraz’s personal best 66th win of the season and booked a rematch with American Taylor Fritz — who beat the Spaniard at the Laver Cup last week.

Fritz powered through fellow countryman Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 6-3 earlier in the day, striking 13 aces and leaning heavily on his serve to reach his first hard-court final of the year.

“Honestly, just by botting,” Fritz said when asked how he was able to triumph. “I served insanely well: High percentage first serves and spots too. It felt like any game that I didn’t hit three aces, he was really outplaying me from the baseline. I was able to hang in on my serve, and then capitalise on that scoreboard pressure. My serve got me through it.”

Alcaraz, though, is aware of the uphill battle and is raring to have a go at the chance of getting revenge.

“I know he’s playing great tennis lately,” Alcaraz said of Fritz. “Since the Laver Cup against me, against Zverev, and here in this tournament, he’s feeling great and really comfortable on the court. Everything is different since San Francisco… But it’s another challenge for me and I’m looking forward to it.”