Alcaraz sets a new personal record

Carlos Alcaraz once again demonstrates why he is worthy of holding the top world ranking as he advances to the final of the 2025 Japan Open.

On the evening of September 29, the Spanish player came back from a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 deficit against Casper Ruud to earn the right to compete for the title against Taylor Fritz (USA) on September 30.

This victory also marks his 66th win of the season, the highest number in Alcaraz’s career, surpassing his previous record of 65 wins set in 2023.

Despite losing the first set and struggling with an ankle injury sustained the previous week, Alcaraz remained composed and shifted to a more aggressive style of play from the second set to change the momentum.

“I just tried to be more positive than in the first set. I was a bit frustrated with myself, so I decided to play with more enthusiasm and think more positively,” Alcaraz shared after the match.

In the quarterfinal against Brandon Nakashima, Alcaraz also delivered a spectacular performance, especially in the final game where he closed the match with a series of shots described as “one of the best games to finish a tennis match in history.”

Alcaraz’s incredible backhand slice save left both the audience and his opponent stunned. Tennis TV commentators exclaimed: “What did we just witness? This might be one of the best closing games this sport has ever seen.”

Alcaraz also admitted: “I have never played a final game like that before, so I’m really happy.”

Although the semifinal against Ruud was not as explosive as the quarterfinal, Alcaraz still showed clear superiority and is considered a strong contender for the championship. However, his opponent Taylor Fritz, the 2022 champion, recently defeated Alcaraz at the Laver Cup.

“I know he’s playing very well. This will be a new challenge, and I’m really excited for it,” Alcaraz said ahead of the final.