Alcaraz fights back to beat Munar, reach Japan Open final

Carlos Alcaraz recovered from a set down to defeat fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar and advance to the final of the Japan Open in Tokyo.

The top seed overcame a difficult opening set to win 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 at the Ariake Coliseum on Monday.

Alcaraz struggled early as Munar took advantage of errors and captured the opening set, but the seven-time Grand Slam champion gradually raised his level to take control of the match.

After securing the second set 6-3, Alcaraz dominated the deciding set, dropping only one game to complete the comeback.

The victory sends the 23-year-old into Tuesday’s final, where he will face the winner of the other semi-final between Jiri Lehecka and Valentin Vacherot.

Alcaraz continues comeback from injury

The Tokyo tournament marks another important step in Alcaraz’s return to regular competition following a wrist injury that interrupted his 2026 season.

Earlier in the year, the Spaniard won the Australian Open to complete his career Grand Slam before the injury forced him away from competition for several months.

He returned at the US Open and reached the quarter-finals before travelling to Tokyo to defend his Japan Open title.

Alcaraz began his campaign against Alex Michelsen before progressing through the draw.

His quarter-final against Denis Shapovalov ended prematurely when the Canadian retired, sending Alcaraz into the semi-finals.

Munar represented a more difficult challenge.

The Spaniard took advantage of two poor service games from Alcaraz to win the opening set before the defending champion responded with more aggressive tennis in the second and third sets.

Alcaraz will now attempt to retain the Tokyo title and secure his first singles trophy since returning from the wrist injury.