Alcaraz Overcomes Injury Scare, Reaches Japan Open Final

On September 30, 2025, world No. 1 tennis player Carlos Alcaraz continued his dominant season by reaching the final of the Japan Open. Despite suffering a small ankle injury last week, the 22-year-old Spanish superstar fought back from dropping the first set to defeat Norway's Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Alcaraz's victory against Ruud takes his tally up to 66 wins on tour this year, the most he's ever recorded in a single season. His previous best was 65 wins back in 2023. While Alcaraz initially struggled with the injury, he kept his composure and became more aggressive in the second set, carrying that momentum through to the end of the match.

Earlier in the tournament, Alcaraz produced a truly breathtaking performance in his quarterfinal win against American Brandon Nakashima. The first point of the final game, where Alcaraz stretched to return a delicate drop shot with an incredible backhand slice, has been hailed as a potential "shot of the year" contender.

Alcaraz will now face off against American Taylor Fritz in the Japan Open final on October 1. Fritz won this tournament back in 2022, and he also beat Alcaraz during the Laver Cup earlier this month, so the Spaniard knows he's in for a tough battle.