Home SPORTS Alcaraz Edges Ruud in Thrilling Match to Reach Tokyo Final

Alcaraz Edges Ruud in Thrilling Match to Reach Tokyo Final

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Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz overcomes tough start to reach Tokyo final




Carlos Alcaraz overcame a sluggish start to defeat Casper Ruud 3-6 6-3 6-4, advancing to the Japan Open final. He will face Taylor Fritz, the second seed, in the championship match, with the opportunity to secure his eighth title of the year.


“It's going to be another challenge for me but I'm excited about it and I will try to take the good things...”


World number one Carlos Alcaraz battled past Casper Ruud in a thrilling match, coming from a set down to win 3-6 6-3 6-4. This victory secures Alcaraz's spot in the Japan Open final, where he will face second seed Taylor Fritz. The final promises to be an exciting clash, with Alcaraz seeking his eighth title of the year.


Alcaraz's meeting with Fritz in the final also sets up a potential revenge match. Alcaraz suffered a shock defeat to Fritz in the Laver Cup in San Francisco this month, his first loss to the American in four career meetings. The world number one will be looking to bounce back and claim victory over Fritz in Tokyo. This high-stakes match is sure to captivate tennis fans and could go down to the wire.


“He's been playing great tennis lately,” said Alcaraz.


“At the Laver Cup against me, against Alexander Zverev and in this tournament ... he's feeling great and really comfortable on the court, so I'll try to change a few things. Obviously the speed of the court and everything is different.


“It's going to be another challenge for me but I'm excited about it and I will try to take the good things I've done today and the good things I did in San Francisco ... it's going to be an interesting match and I'm excited about playing it.”




The six-time Grand Slam champion squandered four break opportunities against Ruud's resilient play. Frustration boiled over as Ruud skillfully closed in on the first set, showcasing exceptional shot-making from both the baseline and the net. The Norwegian's composure and versatility proved pivotal in the early stages of the match.


Taylor Fritz cruised past Jenson Brooksby with a 6-3, 6-3 win, thanks to flawless serving in crucial moments. This victory marked his third final of the season, following his grass-court titles in Stuttgart and Eastbourne. Fritz's strong serving performance was key to his success, allowing him to dominate the match and book his spot in the final against Carlos Alcaraz.


“I served insanely well today,” said 2022 champion Fritz, who sent down 13 aces.


“A high percentage of first serves ... hit a lot of lines. It felt like any game I didn't hit three aces, he was putting a ton of pressure on me, outplaying me from the baseline most of the match.


“I was just able to hang in it with my serve and apply the scoreboard pressure and then capitalise on the mistakes that he made, play a couple of good points and get a break in both the sets but, really, my serve got me through it.”




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