Carlos Alcaraz has secured his first title since returning from a four-month injury absence, defeating Czech Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 in the Japan Open final on Tuesday.
The top seed and defending champion was pushed hard by the world number 19 in Tokyo before sealing his first trophy since winning the Qatar Open in February.
The victory marked Alcaraz’s third tournament since recovering from a wrist injury, following his US Open quarter-final run and Laver Cup appearance.
“A lot of negative thoughts come to your mind: if you’re going to come back healthy, if you’re going to be the same as I was before,” said Alcaraz.
“A lot of thoughts came to my mind, but I tried to put those thoughts away all the time.
“My team and I knew that when I came back, I was going to be healthy 100 per cent, and if I feel something, it’s not going to be anything at all.”
The world number three has now won three titles this year, including the Australian Open, taking his career tally to 27.
The triumph came hours after world number one Jannik Sinner ended his season early because of a persistent knee injury.
Alcaraz entered the final with a 3-1 record against Lehecka, who was seeking his first title of the year.
Lehecka made a fast start by breaking Alcaraz’s serve, but the Spaniard responded with a break of his own before edging the opening set in a tiebreak.
Alcaraz then secured a crucial break midway through the second set and held firm to complete the victory.
The Spaniard is expected to feature at the Shanghai Masters from Wednesday, having withdrawn from last year’s event after his Tokyo triumph due to “physical issues” and concerns over tennis’ congested schedule.
