The world No. 3 dropped serve in the opening game at Ariake Coliseum. Lehečka, who had beaten him in the 2025 Doha quarter-finals, converted a third break point and led early. Alcaraz broke back in the sixth game with a backhand winner, then trailed 2-4 in the tie-break and took five points in a row to steal the set. The only break of the second set came in the seventh game. He served it out in 96 minutes.
“I’m really happy to be able to lift a trophy again,” he said. “It’s been a while, and obviously it is extra special after my injury. My comeback, in the second tournament that I’ve played, lifting a trophy means a lot. I didn’t find my best level, but I did find the good solutions.”
RECOMMENDED STORIES
• Female Athlete of the Year: Assefa Leads the Race for World Athletics Award
• Ten Nominees Named for World Athletics Male Athlete of the Year
• Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India women’s captain after historic World Cup triumph
• UEFA opens investigation into alleged spitting incident during Ireland vs Israel clash
A wrist injury kept him out between Barcelona in April and the US Open in late August. He said the layoff brought doubts about whether he would return healthy and pain-free. “A lot of thoughts came to my mind, but I tried to put those thoughts away all the time.”
He is the third man to defend Tokyo, after Stefan Edberg (1989–91) and Pete Sampras (1993–94). He won 85 per cent of points behind his first serve, 33 of 39, and is now 21-0 at ATP 500 level since losing to Holger Rune in the 2025 Barcelona final. The title moves him above Ben Shelton into third in the race to Turin. He has already qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals.
Lehecka, world No. 19, made him work. Alcaraz had already come through three-setters against Alex Michelsen and Jaume Munar. Tuesday was the cleaner match of the week, and the one that ended the wait.