World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz claimed his eighth title of 2023 with a decisive 6-4, 6-4 victory over Taylor Fritz in the ATP Japan Open final on Tuesday. The Spanish phenom sealed the match with a signature drop shot, avenging his loss to Fritz at last week's Laver Cup.
A Strategic Withdrawal
In a surprise announcement, Alcaraz revealed he'll skip the Shanghai Masters starting Wednesday, citing physical concerns. "After discussions with my team, rest and recovery became the priority," the 20-year-old wrote on Instagram, referencing an ankle injury sustained earlier in the tournament.
Dominance on the Court
Despite the setback, Alcaraz dropped only one set during the Tokyo event, improving his season record to a tour-leading 67-7. His 24th career title keeps him firmly in contention for the year-end No. 1 ranking. The win marks his seventh final victory since March, with his sole recent defeat coming against Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon.
This triumph underscores Alcaraz's strategic adaptability, balancing aggressive baseline play with delicate touch shots – a combination that continues to redefine modern tennis.
