Overview

• No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz reached the Japan Open title match by rallying past Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 for his 66th win of 2025.
• The victory extended Alcaraz’s streak to nine consecutive tour-level finals during a season already highlighted by multiple major titles.
• No. 2 seed Taylor Fritz advanced with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Jenson Brooksby, striking 13 aces to secure his first hard-court final of the year.
• The rematch follows Fritz’s first tour-level win over Alcaraz at last week’s Laver Cup, and he returns to a venue where he lifted the trophy in 2022.
• Alcaraz said he will arrive with a specific plan after practicing with Fritz in Tokyo, and reports indicate he has managed a minor ankle issue this week.