Carlos Alcaraz secured his first tournament win since returning from a four-month injury hiatus by defeating Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 in the final of the Japan Open on Tuesday in Tokyo. The top-seeded and defending champion Alcaraz overcame a challenging match against the world number 19 from the Czech Republic to claim his first trophy since his victory at the Qatar Open in February.

This title marks Alcaraz’s third of the year, including his Australian Open triumph, and the 27th of his professional career. It also came amid concerns related to injuries within the sport, as world number one Jannik Sinner announced the premature end of his season due to an ongoing knee problem earlier the same day.

Alcaraz’s path to victory was tested from the outset, with Lehecka breaking his service in the opening game. The Spaniard responded with a break of his own during a prolonged rally halfway through the first set and delivered powerful shots in the subsequent game. Nevertheless, Lehecka maintained pressure, forcing the first set to a tiebreaker where Alcaraz used a pair of skillful drop shots to claim the set. The second set remained competitive until Alcaraz secured a critical break midway and maintained his lead to close out the match.

This tournament represents Alcaraz’s third event since resuming competition following a wrist injury. His recent return included reaching the US Open quarter-finals and participating in the Laver Cup. Reflecting on his recovery, Alcaraz acknowledged the mental challenges of returning from injury, stating he had to overcome doubts about his health and performance. He expressed confidence in his physical condition, supported by his team’s assurance that any discomfort would be manageable.

Following his victory in Tokyo, Alcaraz is scheduled to compete in the Shanghai Masters, beginning Wednesday. Last year he withdrew from the Shanghai event at the last minute despite winning in Tokyo, citing physical concerns and the demanding tennis calendar as contributing factors.