Alcaraz shuts down Fritz in Tokyo final

Carlo Alcaraz lifted his eighth trophy of the season on Tuesday at the oddly scheduled Japan Open final, crushing Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in 92 minutes.

Due to an ATP scheduling experiment seemingly destined to fail, the final was played on Tuesday at the Ariake Colosseum so as to continue an oddball calendar which now allots most Masters events nearly two full weeks instead of the traditional one week.

The Japanese final will be followed by Wednesday’s Beijing China Open final (Jannik Sinner-Learner Tien)  before the mad crush of the Shanghai Masters, which also begins a 12-day run on Wednesday.

Player complaints are growing over  what is turning into a nonstop grind, with the disjointed calendar also confusing to fans.

Alcaraz, who lost barely a week ago to Fritz at the Laver Cup, won their Wimbledon semi-final last July.

The Spaniard claimed his 67 match win of the season as he strengthens his hold on the top ranking he seized from Sinner by winning their US Open final three weeks ago.

“It’s been my best season so far without a doubt,” Alcaraz said. “Eight titles, 10 finals… That shows how hard I’ve worked just to be able to experience these moments and accomplish my goals. 

“I didn’t start the year that good, struggling emotionally, so how I came back from that, I’m just really proud of myself, and of all the people around me who have helped me to be in this position.”

Fritz was treated for a left thigh problem during the quick-fire final, with the big hitter held to just six aces. 

“I’m really happy with the level that I played, with everything. Starting the week not good with the (rolled) ankle  and the way that I came back from that, I’m just really happy about it,” the winner said.

Main photo:-Carlos Alcaraz kisses Japan open Trophy – ©ATPTour.com