Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Jiri Lehecka to Retain Japan Open Title

Key facts

• Carlos Alcaraz, ranked third, defeated 19th-ranked Jiri Lehecka of Czechia 7-6 (4), 6-4 to successfully defend his Japan Open title in Tokyo on October 6, 2026.
• It was Alcaraz's third title of the year, his 27th career title, and his first since winning in Doha, Qatar, in February; he began the year by winning his seventh Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
• Alcaraz returned in late August from a 4½-month layoff due to a right wrist injury and reached the U.S. Open quarterfinals, where he lost to Ben Shelton.
• Lehecka entered the final on a six-match winning streak, having won both his singles matches when Czechia qualified past the United States for the Davis Cup Final 8 and his opening four matches in Tokyo.
• In the semifinals, Alcaraz dropped the first set to qualifier Jaume Munar during a run of 16 straight points lost.