Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has reached the Japan Open final after overcoming fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 in a hard-fought semi-final.
The world number three admitted he is still searching for his best form following a lengthy wrist injury, despite reaching the US Open quarter-finals last month.
“Right now, I’m trying to get my level back. I would say it’s still far from it, still far from it,” he said when asked about his current condition compared with his success last year.
Alcaraz said he was “feeling good” but remained focused on regaining his rhythm through regular competition.
The Australian Open champion endured a difficult opening set, with Munar capitalising on several errors as Alcaraz committed four double faults and dropped the set 7-5.
Alcaraz gradually regained control, using powerful serves, aggressive returns and well-timed drop shots to unsettle his 49th-ranked opponent.
He broke Munar three times in the second set before forcing a decisive third, where he took complete control and wrapped up the contest in two hours and 31 minutes.
“I don’t know what happened until the middle of the second set,” Alcaraz said.
Reflecting on his return to Tokyo, he added: “Last year I came here with a lot of trophies… with a lot of confidence. But I’m going to fight for the same result, which I’m really happy about.”
Alcaraz will face Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka in the final after the world number 19 defeated Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-2.
