Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the final of the Japan Open on Tuesday, marking his first championship match appearance since returning from a right wrist injury that sidelined him for more than four months. The world No. 3 rallied after a difficult stretch to defeat qualifier Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 in the semifinals held in Tokyo.

Alcaraz struggled late in the first set, losing 16 consecutive points spanning the end of the first set and the start of the second. Despite a promising break midway through the opening set, he committed consecutive double faults that allowed Munar to claim the frame. Additionally, Alcaraz dropped the first two points of the second set, extending his scoreless streak before regaining control in the opening game of the second set and dominating the remainder of the match.

The Spaniard, who returned to competition late last August, has been competing while wearing a compression sleeve on his right arm. Since returning from injury, Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open, where he lost a late-night match to Ben Shelton that concluded at 3:33 a.m. His last final appearance came in April at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he was defeated by Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz is seeking to defend the Japan Open title he captured last year.

In the final scheduled for Tuesday, Alcaraz will face 19th-ranked Jiri Lehecka. The Czech player earned his spot by beating Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-2 in the semifinals. Lehecka is currently riding a six-match winning streak, boosted by victories over two American players that helped the Czech Republic qualify for the Davis Cup Final 8.

Both players have shown strong form heading into the match; Alcaraz aiming to reclaim the title he lost earlier this season, and Lehecka continuing his breakthrough with consistent recent victories. The final is set to determine whether Alcaraz can return to championship-winning form following his injury layoff or if Lehecka will continue his surge on the ATP Tour.