TOKYO: Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the final of the Japan Open on Monday after securing a hard-fought 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 victory over fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar in Tokyo.
The world number three clinched the win despite struggling with mistakes, particularly near the end of the first set, while his 49th-ranked opponent put up a brave fight.
Alcaraz unleashed a barrage of big serves and aggressive returns to keep Munar off-balance and running along the baseline, occasionally mixing in delicate drop shots that wowed the packed crowd at the Ariake Colosseum.
