TOKYO/WASHINGTON, September 30, 2025 (by Michael Dickens)
The Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships got the final it wanted – a matchup of the top two seeds, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and World No. 5 Taylor Fritz of the United States. It was the first time since 2011 that the top two seeds had reached the Tokyo final.
However, by the completion of their one-hour and 33-minute ATP 500 title match in the Colosseum at Ariake Tennis Forest Park Tuesday evening, it was Alcaraz who raised his arms in victory and lifted his eighth title of the 2025 season in his Tokyo debut. With the roof closed, the Alcaraz winning machine kept rolling on. Now, he’s become the toast of Tokyo.
Alcaraz defeated Fritz, 6-4, 6-4, to gain revenge on the No. 1 American, who defeated the Spaniard nine days ago in the Laver Cup competition. He’s now won 42 of his last 44 matches on tour this season and improved to 4-1 lifetime against Fritz.
Adding to the collection @carlosalcaraz | @japanopentennis | #kinoshitajotennis pic.twitter.com/FOXObcm3bK
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 30, 2025
It marked the first time two Top-5 players had met in an ATP 500 final since No. 3 Alcaraz defeated No. 1 Jannik Sinner in Beijing last year.
“It’s been a pleasure to play in Tokyo in front of the Japanese fans,” Alcaraz said during his on-court interview prior to the trophy ceremony. “I’ve enjoyed every single second. It’s what I’m going to keep [as a memory] from this tournament.
“It’s my first time to play in Tokyo. Hopefully, it’s not my last time.”
With his latest trophy secured, the 22-year-old Alcaraz leads the ATP Tour in wins (67) and titles (8) this year and is the first man since Rafael Nadal in 2017 to reach 10 finals in a season. He’s also the fourth man to reach nine consecutive finals since 1990.
“It’s been my best season so far without a doubt,” Alcaraz added. “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.”
Winning never goes out of style
The moment @carlosalcaraz claimed his 24th tour-level title @japanopentennis | #kinoshitajotennis pic.twitter.com/z5Xt0QIfru
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 30, 2025
Fritz, who won his only ATP 500 title in Tokyo three years ago, came in on a six-match winning streak after defeating Alcaraz and World No. 3 Alexander Zverev at the Laver Cup in San Francisco. After beating fellow American Jenson Brooksby in the semifinal round on Monday, Fritz was through to his third ATP Tour final of the season following grass-court title runs in Stuttgart and Eastbourne.
This time, though, Alcaraz proved to be the better player. He benefited from Fritz needing medical attention on his left thigh in between sets. Fritz finished the match with his thigh heavily wrapped. Alcaraz secured match point with a nifty drop shot that the compromised Fritz was unable to get his racquet on at the net.
Alcaraz finished the victory by winning 78 percent (31 of 40) of his first-serve points. He hit six aces and struck 29 winners overall, compared with six aces and 19 winners by Fritz. Alcaraz converted three of nine break points and saved two of three he faced. He outpointed Fritz 69-60.
By the numbers
• Carlos Alcaraz became the sixth man to win eight titles in a season in this century and to win the 24th tour-level title of career. He’s tied with Alexander Zverev for the most titles among men born since 1990.
• Since losing to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon Championships final in July, Alcaraz has won three consecutive titles: at the ATP Masters 1000 in Cincinnati, the US Open and Tokyo.
“Quotable …”
“Congrats to Carlos on a great tournament. He’s the best player in the world for a reason – and he’s a great guy. I’m happy for all the success he’s been having.”
– Tokyo runner-up Taylor Fritz of the United States, during the trophy ceremony.
