Alcaraz Tokyo debut stretches into SF

Carlos Alcaraz made the most of his Japan Open debut on Sunday, hammering Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 6-4, booking a Tour semi-final  for the ninth event in succession.

The world No. 1 who had never played an ATP event in Japan, has showed top form at the Japan Open despite rolling an ankle in the first round.

Alcaraz booked a match against Norway’s Casper Ruud, who defeated Australian Alexsander Vukic 6-4, 6-2.
“It’s special because it’s the first time I’m playing here in Tokyo, so reaching the semifinal for the first time on my first appearance – it’s (semis) something great.” the 22-year-old said.

Alcaraz broke the 33rd-ranked Nakshima to set the tone in the first game of their quarter-final, which he won in 81 minutes for his 65th victory of 2025.

The winner of six titles from his previous eight tournaments needed four match points to go through past Nakashima with nearly 40 winners, losing just  eight points on serve.

“I’m just feeling great on the court, everytime that I step on the court I feel like I can do everything,” Alcaraz said. 

“I’m approaching the end of the season with a lot of confidence, and these kinds of matches with this kind of level helps a lot to keep the confidence really high.”

Joining Alcaraz in the final was second heeded former Tokyo champion Taylor Fritz, who put out Sebastian Korda 6-3, 6-7 (5) ,6-3 win to win his 47rh match of the season.