Carlos Alcaraz once again proved that even after a long absence due to a wrist injury, he is capable of returning to peak form at key moments. In the semifinal of the Japan Open 2026, he overcame his compatriot Jaume Munar with a score of 5-7, 6-3, 6-1, despite a run of 16 lost points in a row at the end of the first set.
The defending champion started the match uncertainly: errors on serve and a loss of concentration allowed Munar, who was ranked 49th, to seize the initiative. However, in the second set the Spaniard found his game, increased his aggression and regained control of the match, finishing it with a confident victory in the third set.
This match became another test for Alcaraz, who missed four and a half months due to injury and only returned at the US Open. Since his return, he had already encountered difficulties on serve in previous matches of the tournament, but each time he found a way to turn things around.
His opponent in the final is the Czech Jiří Lehečka, who confidently got past the qualifier Wakerot. For Alcaraz, this is a chance not only to defend his title, but also to confirm his status as one of the tour's leaders, despite his recent health problems.
The victory over Munar shows how important it is for a top player to maintain mental resilience: even in moments of decline, Alcaraz does not lose faith in himself and uses the experience of past tournaments. As in chess, where one unsuccessful move does not determine the entire game, if the player knows how to readjust.
In the final against Lehečka, Alcaraz will meet a player who also demonstrates consistency. This match will be a test not only of his physical form, but also of the Spaniard's ability to dominate on Asian hard courts after a break.
Reaching the final of the Japan Open underscores that for Alcaraz, a return to the top is a matter of time and perseverance, and not simply luck.
