Carlos Alcaraz Rallies Past Jaume Munar into Japan Open Final

Carlos Alcaraz overcame losing 16 consecutive points to defeat Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 in the Japan Open semifinals.

World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Japan Open final by defeating qualifier Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 on Monday in Tokyo. The top-seeded Spaniard overcame a significant lapse where he lost 16 consecutive points, a stretch that began at the end of the first set and continued into the start of the second. Alcaraz surrendered the opening set after hitting back-to-back double faults to conclude a run of 14 straight points lost.

Following the two-point deficit to start the second set, Alcaraz secured a break in the opening game to shift momentum. He eventually converted multiple breaks to finalize the comeback victory against Munar, who had previously upset 12th-ranked Taylor Fritz in the first round. This victory marks Alcaraz’s first final appearance since his Monte Carlo Masters loss to Jannik Sinner in April, following a 4 1/2-month layoff due to a right wrist injury.

Alcaraz, who has worn a compression sleeve on his right arm since returning in late August, will face 19th-ranked Jiri Lehecka in Tuesday’s final. Lehecka reached the championship match by defeating Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-2. The Czech player enters the final on a six-match winning streak, which includes two singles victories during the Davis Cup Final 8 qualification against the United States. Alcaraz is currently attempting to defend the title he earned in Tokyo last year.